Asked what led to his decision to return, Smith said: “Well, obviously, the talks didn’t get too far, and it didn’t end in the way that I wanted them to end. And it’s basically like, hey, I know at the end of the year, it’s going to be a big season for myself. And also, at the end of the season, there’s a lot of different directions things could go, so I know I need to put myself and my body in the best possible situation to succeed, and I feel like with this time that I have, it’ll be enough time for me to prepare myself for the season.”
Smith thanked those who supported him during his hold-in.
“I’m grateful for the fans,” he said, “all the loyal fans and everyone, the players as well in the locker room and the city of Chicago that stood behind me throughout this process. It means a lot.”
Smith, who had been conditioning with the strength staff on the side during the practices he missed, participated solely in individual drills Saturday. His workload will gradually increase to include 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
“Roquan Smith was out there today and we were excited, super excited about that,” said coach Matt Eberflus. “We’re just ramping him up to play football, and there’s a process to that. We’re in that process right now.”
Smith, a 2018 first-round pick from Georgia, doesn’t expect to receive any additional contract offers from the Bears this year.
“There’s no more offers at this time and I don’t think there will be any during the season,” he said. “My full focus has shifted to the season … It’s been an amazing four years and hey, five, why not make it a little more special? That’s my plan.”
Asked if that plan consists of playing out his contract this year and then signing with another team in 2023, Smith said: “My full intention is to play this season and whatever happens, happens. Whatever it is, I have to go through this season, I’ll do it chin up, chest out, sunsets, no regrets, baby.”
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