Aaron Rodgers Name Drops Player He Wants Traded

A significant amount of trades went down this off-season. On top of that, a number of them were considered  “blockbuster trades.”  From Davante Adams, to Tyreek Hill, to Russell Wilson, the NFL was certainly entertaining this off-season. However, there could have been even more trades. Aaron Rodgers name dropped one player he wanted to be moved this off-season. Chicago Bears’ starting linebacker Roquan Smith.

Roquan Smith almost traded?

In early August Roquan Smith officially requested a trade from the Chicago Bears.  The requested trade was over the ongoing contract negotiations that seemed to be making no progress. Smith released this heartfelt message to Bears fans:

“To the city of Chicago and all the Bears Fans worldwide, I have officially requested a trade; just writing these words is deeply painful.

I’m a kid from Macon County, Georgia. When you grow up playing football, you dream of making it to the NFL one day. However, playing the Linebacker position, you NEVER imagine getting drafted in the Top 10 by the Chicago Bears! I’m a HOMEGROWN Bear! A dream came true for me to have an opportunity to put that Bears’ helmet on, wear the same jersey that the legendary LB’s did, it’s an indescribable feeling.

Walking these hallways the past four years, you can feel the spirit, you feel the pressure to live up to that timeless history, that great legacy. I dreamed of playing like Wilber Marshall, Singletary, Briggs, Urlacher, Butkus! Since the day I was drafted, I vowed to play this position at a level that upheld the standard that was set before me, to uphold that respect and honor, and I have.

Unfortunately, the new front office regime doesn’t value me here. They’ve refused to negotiate in good faith, every step of this journey has been “take it or leave it”. The deal sent to me is one that would be bad for myself, and for the entire LB market if I signed it. I’ve been trying to get something done that’s fair since April, but their focus has been on trying to take advantage of me.

I wanted to be a Bear for my entire career, help this team bring a super bowl back to our city. However, they have left me no choice than to request a trade that allows me to play for an organization that truly values what I bring to the table.

I haven’t had the chance to talk to the McCaskey family, and maybe they can salvage this, but as of right now I don’t see a path back to the organization I truly love.

I hope and pray you all can understand, I’m deeply sorry it’s come to this.

Sincerely,
Roquan Smith

Less than one month later Roquan smith was practicing in a Bears uniform.  While we hold out didn’t last long, it certainly was a main storyline in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers noted that he would have liked to see the trade go through:

Aaron Rodgers said today that he wouldn’t have minded if the Bears traded Roquan Smith during training camp.

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) September 14, 2022

While it looks like Roquan Smith won’t be traded this season, finishing his career in Chicago seems up in the air.  Even though Aaron Rodgers seems to have no trouble beating Chicago, having one less elite linebacker in the division would be nice.  Aaron Rodgers little face Roquan Smith once again this Sunday. This past week Smith lead his team in tackles, with nine, against the 49ers.

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