Blockbuster trades the Steelers can offer for Bears LB Roquan Smith

With the Bears star announcing he would like a trade, here are five realistic deals the Steelers can offer for Smith.

With contract talks seemingly stalling, Bears star linebacker Roquan Smith has requested a trade out of Chicago. While the Steelers are seemingly set at linebacker as of now, having the opportunity to land a player of Smith’s caliber has to be considered. It isn’t every day that a young player with the potential that Smith has is put on the trade block. Pittsburgh would be wise to at least inquire about a deal.

What would the Steelers have to give up?

Gauging the value of Smith is difficult because the NFL hasn’t seen a lot of top linebackers get dealt in recent years. That said, below-average players can fetch a fifth or sixth-round pick. Based on that, a pure pick for player swap likely starts with a first-round pick at a minimum.

Honestly, I would gauge his value similarly to what Minkah Fitzpatrick’s value was when he got dealt. Granted, Fitzpatrick still had three years of control on his contract when he got dealt (Smith is in the final year of his rookie deal), but both play defensive positions that are valuable, but not top of the line in terms of importance (that belongs to edge rushers, linemen, and arguably cornerbacks).

When compiling a final number, I would give Smith a slightly higher value due to him being selected to the second team all-pro the past two seasons. He is more proven as a player than Fitzpatrick was, and despite the contract issue, I think it will cost a bit more to acquire Smith.

With that all said, here are five trade offers the Steelers can give to try and bring in Smith.