Report: Bears LB Smith requests trade

Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith has requested a trade, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

#Bears All-Pro LB Roquan Smith has requested a trade. pic.twitter.com/x4vmOMhROt

"To the city of Chicago and all the Bears fans worldwide, I have officially requested a trade; just writing these words is deeply painful," Smith said in a statement. Walking these hallways the past four years, you can feel the spirit, you feel the pressure to live up to that timeless history, that great legacy. Since the day I was drafted I vowed to play this position at a level that upheld that standard that was set before me, to uphold that respect and honor, and I have.

"Unfortunately, the new front office regime doesn't value me here. They've refused to negotiate in good faith, every step of this journey has been 'take it or leave it'.

Smith, 25, was selected eighth overall by the Bears in the 2018 NFL Draft. He finished last season with 163 tackles, three sacks and one interception in 17 games last season. He was selected as a Second-Team All-Pro.

"I wanted to be a Bear for my entire career, help this team bring a Super Bowl back to our city," said Smith. "However, they have left me no choice than to request a trade that allowed me to play for an organization that truly values what I bring to the table."

The Bears finished third in the NFC North last season with a 6-11 record.