Roquan Smith sounded open to the Chicago Bears franchise tag in 2023Ryan Heckmanon August 21, 2022 at 12:00 pm

Saturday was an eventful day for the Chicago Bears, who ended up closing practice to the public due to weather conditions.

There were a few different concerns when it came to injuries for guys like Khalil Herbert and Jaquan Brisker, but a lighter note surfaced when practice neared its end: All Pro linebacker Roquan Smith had returned to the practice field.

Officially ending his “hold-in,” after requesting a trade, Smith participated for the first time since the start of training camp and is now amidst his ramp-up period, according to head coach Matt Eberflus.

By ending his hold-in, Smith has vowed to play out the remainder of his contract this season before free agency begins next year. Smith said, “I’m betting on myself,” just as many other professional athletes have done. Now, the only question is, do the Bears value him enough to give him an extension if he plays well in 2022?

One topic that will now be a storyline until next March is whether the Bears will give Smith the franchise tag come next offseason, but Smith didn’t seem too upset by that idea.

Roquan Smith did not balk at the idea of the Chicago Bears using the franchise tag on him in 2023.

When asked about the possibility of the franchise tag in his media session, Smith’s eyes actually perked up a bit, he smiled, and then said “the franchise tag is going to be a nice number next year.”

He didn’t reject the idea, even in the least bit. Instead, it almost seemed as though he would welcome the idea of that guaranteed money. For those wondering, the franchise tag for linebackers in 2022 is just under $19 million.

Smith ended that part of his session by saying that when they get there, they’ll get there. But for now, he’s focused on this season and being the best teammate he can be.

“My focus has shifted to the season, so that’s what I’m focused on right now. It’s been an amazing four years and, hey, five, why not make it special? So, that’s my plan… My full intention is to play this season and whatever happens happens. Whatever it is I have to go through this season, I’ll do it chin up, chest out, sunsets, no regrets.”

It was somewhat surprising to hear Smith seem fine with the franchise tag, especially since the last go-around with that method wasn’t too kind for the Bears. No one will forget how it turned out for Allen Robinson, after contract talks stalled. Robinson didn’t exactly look thrilled to be playing for Chicago last season.

But, Smith has handled himself pretty well over the last week or so. He has been there for his teammates and coaches, deciding not to totally hold out from the organization. He’s been all class, from what anyone can tell.

Should Smith have another big year, the Bears will have to seriously consider a long-term deal — at least, more seriously than they did this offseason, based on Smith’s feelings.

If this defense can finish as a top-15 unit in 2022, despite being marked as a non-competitive team by many, it will mean Smith has had a phenomenal season and the defense has held up their end of the bargain.

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