NEWSLETTER
After an offseason full of all sorts of hand-wringing, the Chicago Bears are rolling with some good news on the update front as training camp report date is here.
Not too long after NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reported that Bears stud pass-rusher Robert Quinn was reporting to training camp, the Tribune’s Brad Biggs came through with an additional bit of good news:
While speaking with the media on Tuesday morning, Bears GM Ryan Poles told reporters that both Quinn *AND* linebacker Roquan Smith have shown up for camp. Poles declined to discuss lingering contract issues regarding either player, but I suppose there is plenty of time on our end to chop it up in that arena. What matters most (for now) is that the team’s two second-team All-Pro defenders from last year’s team are in the fold. And with minimal hassle, too.
If you’ll recall, Quinn’s status with the Bears has been uncertain since he chose not to show up for mandatory minicamp in June. Quinn’s absence came at the end of the offseason training program, and came with rumors that teams interest in trading for him and a report that he was wanting out of Chicago. But as things stand as of Tuesday morning, Quinn is a Bear. And so is Smith, who sounds like someone who plans on being around for Week 1 — even as he threatens to hold out while awaits a suitable contract extension that has yet to come.
Maybe there is a hold-in happening in Roquan’s future, but I guess we can cross that bridge when we get to it. And perhaps circumstances will shake out that ultimately lead to Quinn being traded, as had been speculated throughout the offseason. Although, WGN’s Kaitlin Sharkey (Twitter) notes that Poles said he hasn’t had any discussions with Quinn regarding a trade request. I reckon that’s good news for the Bears to bring back a Pro Bowl player coming off a year in which he set a single-season franchise record with 18.5 sacks. But as of right now, both players are members of the Bears. After a trying offseason, the Bears (and their fans) will take whatever good news they can. Even if it comes at the cost of a “hold-in” during camp.
After all, at least the optics of a hold-in are a wee-bit better than a holdout. Words matter, ya know?
For more from the Bears GM (as well as Head Coach Matt Eberflus), check out the link below:
