The Bears and Roquan Smith haven’t agreed to a contract extension, which has resulted in the linebacker requesting a trade. Here are five potential trade destinations for Roquan Smith.
1. Los Angeles Chargers
Smith will likely want to go to a contender, not that he will have a bunch of say in the matter. The Bears would be more than willing to trade him out of the conference to the Chargers. Los Angeles could offer picks for Smith and then could get creative with cap space over the duration of his contract.
With the Chargers, Smith could step in and make an immediate impact, as the current starters are Kenneth Murray and Drue Tranquill. Both are solid linebackers, but Murray didn’t have the best season in 2021 and Tranquill has vastly outperformed his status as a fourth round pick. Smith will improve a defense that has already added J.C. Jackson and Khalil Mack to its defense as they try to make a run for a Super Bowl.
2. Las Vegas Raiders
The AFC West is going to be a tough division and teams are investing to try and compete. Las Vegas can afford to give up draft picks to improve their defense, which has struggled in recent years. They would also be able to negotiate with Smith on a long-term deal.
Between Denzel Perryman, Jayon Brown and Divine Deablo, the Raiders are solid, but not great at linebacker. They have added Chandler Jones and Davante Adams after making the playoffs last season. Upgrading linebacker isn’t a priority for a lot of teams, but for the Raiders, it could help them go all the way in for a chance at the playoffs again.
3. Denver Broncos
For years the Broncos have had a solid roster, but have not been able to get over the top. This year, it is expected that they can compete for a playoff spot, so making a trade for Smith could really help them. It is an arms race in the AFC West and the Broncos might be willing to trade for better linebacker play.
Denver has not had a notable inside linebacker in some time and adding Smith will help out their defense greatly. Josey Jewell has played solidly enough, but the Broncos could use someone next to him. After acquiring Russell Wilson, the offense should improve. The defense ranked second in points allowed per game in 2021, but adding Smith could really get them to take it to the next level.
4. Washington Commanders
If the Bears decide to trade Smith within the conference the Commanders could be a fit. They are in the NFC East, so they wouldn’t have to face him all that regularly. Washington is another team that would be willing to give up draft picks to improve, as they had a hard time tackling in 2021.
While Washington did draft Jamin Davis in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, he didn’t live up to expectations as a rookie. Even if they still develop Davis, there is plenty of room for Smith in the middle of the defense. Behind the very talented defensive line, Smith would have the opportunity to make plenty of plays. The addition of Smith would put the Commanders a quarterback away from being contenders.
5. Miami Dolphins
Chicago could send Smith to the Dolphins, as they are a team that is also looking to compete this season. Miami has forfeited picks for tampering, but may be willing to give up others in return for Smith. The Bears would have no problem sending him to the AFC East.
Miami brought in Tyreek Hill and some help along the offensive line to help this season. Defensively, Melvin Ingram joins the defensive line, while the great secondary remained intact. Elandon Roberts and Jerome Baker aren’t the greatest linebackers, even if they aren’t a huge weakness. Adding Smith could help the Dolphins win the AFC East.
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