Chicago Bears first round pick Roquan Smith was not in training camp as the team held its first practice on Friday.
Smith, who was picked by the Bears with the eighth overall pick in April’s NFL Draft, has not signed a contract yet with the team, making him the only selection not to have a deal in place before the start of camp.
Smith is one of 10 first round picks who have not signed contracts with their teams, including the top four selections in the draft. Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield and cornerback Denzel Ward are among the picks not to have signed NFL deals yet this summer.
During the team’s introductory press conference Thursday, G.M. Ryan Pace said that he is “optimistic” Smith will report soon.
“I’m sure he’s dying to be here, knowing him as a player,” Pace said.
Pace did not indicate that there was a deadline for Smith to sign his deal before he would be unable to play in the season opener in September.
