The Bears on Wednesday removed linebacker Roquan Smith from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, making him eligible to practice.
The 2018 first-round pick from Georgia participated in the entire offseason program. But he has been on the PUP list since the start of training camp.
On Tuesday, Smith released a statement requesting a trade. Entering the final season of his five-year rookie contract, he wrote that he wants to be dealt to another team in part because he feels the Bears don't value him and haven't negotiated in good faith.
Hours later, general manager Ryan Poles addressed the situation in an impromptu press conference following the Bears' Family Fest practice at Soldier Field.
Poles said that his feelings about Smith as a player and a person haven't changed. The Bears GM also indicated that "my intentions are to sign Roquan to this team" and "we're doing everything we can to get this done."
