Roquan Smith requests trade from Chicago Bears

Smith said in a written statement that he requested a trade after contract negotiations between himself and the organization reached an acrimony.

Smith wrote a statement for the NFL Network. The validity of these messages has been confirmed by the sports network.

Smith wrote that the "new front office regime doesn't value me here" after he said he had been trying to get an extension.

They have refused to negotiate in good faith. This journey has been all about taking it or leaving it. If I sign the deal, it will be bad for myself and the LB market.

The former Georgia star has 14 sacks since the Bears drafted him in the eighth round. When Smith reported to camp in late July, he was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list because he was not ready to start the season.

Smith accused the Bears of trying to take advantage of him, and that the organization left him no choice but to request a trade that would allow him to play for an organization that values what he brings to the table.

Smith was a full participant during voluntary workouts and mandatory minicamp in April and he was confident that he would remain in Chicago long term. He said that he wanted to be with the Bears for the rest of his life.

The team not yet executing a new deal for Smith was addressed by Ryan Poles at the start of training camp.

Poles said that his feelings for Roquan did not change. The person and the player are my favorites. That will stay the same. I know I'm going to get a lot of questions and I understand them. I don't want to talk about contracts or anything like that so I wanted to make sure we addressed it. Nothing has changed regarding my feelings for him.

Smith rides a stationary bike during practice at the training camp. In July, Eberflus said that he expected Smith to be on the list.

Eberflus said to stay involved, be a leader, and engage. He's a good guy. He has been in the league for a while. He is a great player. He's going to be a Chicago Bear. He's going to do that.

Smith apologized to Bears fans but didn't think negotiations would turn around.

Smith said that he doesn't see a path back to the organization he loves.