Georgia’s linebacker Roquan Smith was drafted eighth overall in 2018 NFL Draft back in April, but he only joined the Chicago Bears on Tuesday. Smith became the last drafted player to sign his deal out of his entire draft class.
.@RoquanSmith1 is back in the building.
📰: https://t.co/YXzJRmywUq pic.twitter.com/zsomEGAoRG
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 14, 2018
According to NFL Network, Roquan Smith and the Bears couldn’t agree on the language of the parts of the contract which dealt with the possibility to void the player’s guarantees if he gets suspended for his on-field behavior. The two sides eventually agreed that the guarantees could only be voided if the 21-year-old gets suspended three or more games.
By playing hardball with the organization, Smith missed four weeks of training camp. Still, he doesn’t regret his decision and doesn’t think the lost time will cause any setbacks.
“No, that’s just the business side of things,” – Smith told Chicago Tribune. “It is what it is. And I’m just happy to be here now. I have confidence in the coaches and the athletic training staff and myself. We’ll take the proper steps for me to come back.”
Chicago Bears are also ready to get past it and focus on football.
“It was really simple. Why harp on what just happened? Let’s go. You’re here, our team’s here, that’s all that matters. Put it to the side and let’s go play football.” – said Bears’ coach Matt Nagy.
After an uninspiring freshman season at Georgia, Roquan Smith bounced back in his sophomore year recording 95 tackles in 10 games he started. In 2017, he had an even better season, being named SEC Defensive Player of the Year and receiving Butkus Award for the best linebacker in the nation.
