The Chicago Bears opened training camp over two weeks ago and have a preseason game this week, but Roquan Smith is still nowhere to be found. The No. 8 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft is the only rookie unsigned and the reason why is as obnoxious as it is baffling.
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Nearly two months ago, the NFL came out with a new 'Use of Helmet' rule, which could result in ejection from a game. Now, the interpretation and possible impact of the rule in his new contract is holding up the game-changing linebacker from seeing the gridiron.
The Bears and Smith are fighting over the language to when, and if, his guaranteed money could be voided if he draws a suspension for the rule that has confused players, coaches, media, and fans alike.
No. 8 overall pick LB @RoquanSmith1 has not signed his @ChicagoBears rookie deal yet...
But there is one player who is making a huge impact during camp thus far.
(via @RapSheet)#NFLTrainingCamp https://t.co/U2ztLfwXXk
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) July 31, 2018
This is utterly ridiculous.
Taking away guaranteed money for a rule that literally no one understands how referees will call it this season and beyond? It makes no sense.
For everyone who thinks contract disputes are only because of players and agent greed, here is a news flash that organizations aren't just the innocent parties.
Bears not having their top 10 pick in camp for 12 days b/c they want to be able to void his guaranteed $ if he gets suspended as a result of new helmet rule is galactically stupid.
Not all holdouts are players/agents being greedy. https://t.co/PO07LV7xIK
— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) July 28, 2018
To make matters worse, Bears head coach Matt Nagy opened up and said the new lowering-helmet rule is part of the stalemate, but Bears general manager Ryan Pace was pretty mum.
"That's obviously a big topic right now," Pace told WMVP-AM 1000. "And for us, these are important and critical reps that are going on right now. But to get into the nitty gritty details isn't something we feel we should do publicly. That's behind the scenes. We have a lot of respect for him obviously and a lot of respect for his agents. And it's a matter of just working through that."
Players have been rather open on the new helmet rule, including San Fransisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman, who is not afraid to ever speak his mind.
49ers CB Richard Sherman unleashed on the NFL's new lowering of helmet rule at today's presser: pic.twitter.com/waHrGwHpDp
— TheFootballGirl.com (@TFG_NFL) July 25, 2018
So what is this new rule? The NFL Football Operations explained it:
The new @NFL Use of Helmet rule explained with video examples. Watch: pic.twitter.com/r2qPWEqMeN
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) June 2, 2018
How will the new @NFL Use of Helmet rule be enforced? Details below: pic.twitter.com/9aLnWQvW1t
— NFL Football Operations (@NFLFootballOps) June 29, 2018
Smith, a consensus All-American, Butkus Award, and SEC Defensive Player of the Year who registered 137 tackles for Georgia in 2017, is just trying to make sure he doesn't get penalized if a ref or league interprets a hit warranting a suspension.
#Bears need to stop playing hardball with Roquan Smith. If they believe he’s the eventual captain of their D and a future Pro Bowler, then get that offset language figured out and get him signed immediately.
— Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (@wiltfongjr) July 28, 2018
Why Smith is not a training camp or playing in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game is stupid.
The Bears need to realize that quickly, end Smith's holdout, and get a signature on the dotted line for his rookie contract as quickly as possible.
