CHICAGO (WLS) -- The energy around family fest shook up a bit as news broke this Tuesday morning that Roquan Smith has requested a trade.
He said the new front office regime doesn't value him, and isn't negotiating in good faith, giving him a take it or leave it offer on the contract extension he is seeking.
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The Chicago Bears linebacker has been on the physically unable to perform list for camp as a contract hold-in.
It has prevented him from being fined for not participating as negotiations have continued. But Smith doesn't have an agent and is representing himself, which has made things awkward.
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But the Bears maintain their love for Smith and desire to keep him in the organization.
Making his words public is part of negotiating for Smith, and General Manager Ryan Poles understands that, intending to sign his best defensive player while keeping focus on doing what's ultimately best for the Bears.