5 best decisions Ryan Poles made in year one as Chicago Bears GM

4. Sticking to his prices with Roquan Smith

This is another one that will garner controversy, but it was another smart decision for Ryan Poles. First, Poles knows that the Chicago Bears have a long way to go to be a productive roster. The last thing he should have done last season is to start handing out big-money extensions.

So, Poles offered Smith a deal he thought was fair value, and Smith turned it down. Poles never wavered and stuck to his prices. So, when a team came and said that they would pay the right prices, and give Poles what he thought was value, he moved on.

The Baltimore Ravens gave Roquan Smith a $20M extension, and he has been good for them. However, the Chicago Bears found UDFA Jack Sanborn for next to nothing, and now they have $20M in cap space that can be spent on bigger issues, such as pass rush.

The difference between Smith in Chicago and Smith in Baltimore is that Baltimore has real pieces around him. When Calais Campbell, Jason Pierre-Paul, Odafe Oweh, and Justin Houston are holding things down up front, it is easier for Smith than when it is Armon Watts, and Angelo Blackson.

The Chicago Bears need to spend the $20M on building the team around the linebackers, while the Ravens had a defense ready for a linebacker to fit right in.

This is another one where fans may even still be mad about the deal, but as time goes, it will turn into a win. The second-round pick will be making about $17M less than Smith for the next four years, and if that player is a hit like Brisker, it will no longer be a debate.

The big thing to see from Poles is that he has his numbers and does not bend.  He will not overpay beyond what he said his numbers were before negotiating. Poles has not let emotion take over and affect his decisions when it comes to re-signing players. That is what you want to see.