The Chicago Bears exercised linebacker Roquan Smith‘s fifth-year option on Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Smith is now guaranteed $9.7 million in 2022, per Spotrac.
A highly-touted prospect out of Georgia, Roquan Smith won the Butkus Award in 2017 as the best college linebacker in the nation. The Bears proceeded to select him in the following draft with the eighth overall pick.
Smith has been an impact player upon arrival in Chicago, starting in 43 games over his first three seasons. His 2020 season was particularly impressive, as he was sixth in the league in tackles. He made Associated Press’s second team All-Pro and Sporting News’ first-team All-Pro for his efforts.
This decision was a no-brainer for general manager Ryan Pace and his crew. Roquan Smith has undoubtedly been the most successful first round pick of Pace’s tenure and is a stalwart on the impressive Bears defense.
Featured Image courtesy of Rob Leiter/Getty Images
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