This contract situation between Roquan Smith and the Chicago Bears has gone on too far. Lucky for them, I am here to help. Let me preface this with the fact that although I have a legal background (not an attorney), I do not deal with contracts — especially contracts regarding athletes. My knowledge here is based on what we have been told through the media and through press conferences, coupled with research regarding other linebackers in the league.
We need to point out that the top player at a position is not always the highest-paid player. I’m not about to tell you that Roquan Smith is the best linebacker in the league. Let’s back up. Roquan Smith is not the best inside linebacker in the league. We need to point that out as inside (off-the-ball) linebackers are not viewed as highly in the NFL as outside (on-the-ball) linebackers or defensive ends.
Can the Chicago Bears and Roquan Smith come to terms on a new deal?
Darius Leonard is easily the best inside linebacker in the NFL and anyone who thinks differently is being biased. That said, there can be an argument made that Roquan Smith could be the second-best at his respective position. All of that doesn’t really matter though because, in a new year, it’s normal for a player, who may not be the best, to become the highest-paid player at his position.
This brings us to the current situation. Roquan Smith believes he should be paid like the best player at his position. He stated that his latest contract proposal was “not a real highest-paid offer.” The Chicago Bears and Ryan Poles do not want to overpay a position that is not considered a premium position.