Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith Report to Halas Hall Though Smith Not Practicing
The good news is that both Robert Quinn and Roquan Smith have reported to Halas Hall. Quinn is expected to practice with the team, but GM Ryan Poles told members of the media he was unsure of Smith’s status. Per NFL Insider Ian Rappaport, the linebacker is indeed at camp but is not expected to practice with the team.
#Bears LB Roquan Smith, not slated to participate, has also reported to training camp today https://t.co/r5Gq0Pik1Q
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2022
Quinn, who had 18.5 sacks in 2021, setting a new team single-season record, skipped all of the Bears’ offseason workouts, including last month’s mandatory minicamp. The team downplayed Quinn’s absence at the time but it nonetheless signaled questions about his future with the club. There was even an unfounded rumor that the 32-year-old had requested the Bears to trade him. Poles may still opt to trade the 12-year veteran, but at least he is with the team for now.
Smith, on the other hand, will avoid fines mandated by the CBA for not reporting. If he continues to avoid the practice field, the Bears will have to handle any discipline internally. The fourth-year linebacker is in the final year of his rookie contract and will earn $9.7 million this season. Smith is looking for an extension that will make him one of the highest-paid linebackers in the game, commensurate with players like Darius Leonard and Fred Warner.
Sportstrac lists Smith’s value at $88.12 million over five years.
