Source: Helmet rule part of LB Smith’s holdout

6:02 am | July 30, 2018 | Go to Source | Author:

Chicago Bears rookie Roquan Smith remains unsigned, in part, because of language in his contract that would allow the team to reclaim guaranteed money if the linebacker is suspended under the NFL’s new helmet-contact rules, a source confirmed to ESPN.

The details of the contract stalemate between Smith and the Bears was first reported by the Chicago Tribune.

Bears first-year coach Matt Nagy confirmed to the Tribune that the helmet rule is “part of the issue” behind Smith’s holdout.

Smith’s representatives want written assurance in the contract that would prevent the Bears from taking his guaranteed money if he is suspended under the new rule, the Tribune first reported.

But the Bears, according to the Tribune, have not put that financial protection in writing, instead telling Smith’s representatives that they will be reasonable in evaluating any situation in which Smith is disciplined under the new rule.