5 reasons Chicago Bears trading Roquan Smith was right decision

If you had to name two players that the Chicago Bears may trade this offseason it would have been Roquan Smith and Robert Quinn. So, it is not a huge surprise that as the trade deadline is nearing that the team found themselves heading to contenders, and the Bears added draft equity.

While Roquan Smith was a fan favorite, it made sense that this would be the time the team moves on. Here are five reasons why.

5. Roquan Smith was not living up to a new contract

When Roquan Smith demanded his trade, it was clear that he wanted to set the market at linebacker. He has been a good player, and while most would not see him as the top player at the position, they do see him as a top 5-10 performer, which means he will be next in line to get a big deal.

The new General Manager gave Smith a contract offer that Smith balked at, and then requested a trade. Both Ryan Poles and Roquan Smith decided that it was time for Smith to prove it on the field with a new defense in place.

Smith has had some moments. He played well in wins against Houston, and New England. However, overall he has been up and down. He made key mistakes in losses to the Packers, Giants, and Vikings.

Smith being up and down with some big ups is great, but not when you want to be paid like the best at your position. With that in mind, the Bears probably were smart to not extend him. Still, because Smith is making a lot of tackles, he is going to get a big contract, even if Chicago did not give it to him.

Chicago saw firsthand that while the tackles are great, the impact plays are not there. Now, some other team will pay for that. They saw that other teams would likely do it, so they moved on. That is why the trade makes sense.