The NFL implemented a new rule this offseason that allows officials to eject a player who lowers their helmet to initiate contact. The more egregious the violation, the greater the chance of a suspension.
This especially matters for high-tackle linebackers like Roquan Smith. The more tackle situations he's in, the greater the odds he'll at some point lower his helmet. The more times he does, the greater the chance of a suspension. And suspensions will lead to more than just lost game checks; they'll also make the guaranteed money that's built into his contract vulnerable, something his agents want to protect him against.
Smith is one of only two first-rounders who remain without a contract (the other being Jets QB Sam Darnold). Bears GM Ryan Pace continues to preach patience.
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Coach Matt Nagy provided an update on the negotiations after practice Saturday and said that the helmet rule is "part of the issue."
“For both sides, it’s more of a language deal, a language-type deal,” Nagy told reporters. “For me, as a first-year head coach going through this, my thing is just collaborating with Ryan [Pace] and what they have going on with the agent. And making sure that we understand, together, as a head coach, I just continue to keep plugging away with what we have and who we have.
“We’ll eventually get that thing figured out. "
Smith wasn't the only linebacker drafted in the first round in April. The BIlls selected Virginia Tech's Tremaine Edmunds (who has the same agent as Smith) and had the former Hokie under contract two weeks after the draft.
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The difference? The Bills excluded on-field suspensions language (sans a suspension for an egregious number of games) from Edmunds' contract, according to The Athletic's Tim Graham, paving the way for an easy agreement.
The Bears don't appear as willing to do so.
Maybe it's because Smith was the first linebacker drafted and is a top-10 pick. Maybe it's because the Bears are being stubborn. Or maybe this is just what happens with issues of first impression.
Regardless, the logic that Smith isn't under contract yet because the Bears had less time to get one done is no longer the case. He's a legitimate holdout for legitimate reasons that could lead to an extended absence.