Robert Quinn’s absence from Chicago Bears mandatory minicamp six weeks ago fueled speculation that the veteran defensive end wanted to be traded as the team undergoes a renovation.
Linebacker Roquan Smith watches practice from a stationary bike at Bears training camp on July 27, 2022.
Quinn, 32, has been around long enough to know players come and go from teams, and he maintains the mantra that “it’s a business” when considering how many of his Bears veteran teammates are in other cities this summer, most notably on defense Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks.Defensive linemen Robert Quinn and Justin Jones practice at Bears training camp on July 27, 2022.
Quinn, who is in the third season of a five-year, $70 million contract, presumably would love to bring the best version of himself to a winning team, something the Bears are not expected to be this season. It also would stand to reason such a team would have a use for a player with 101 career sacks. “If you think about all the what-ifs, honestly, you’re going to start bringing some negative energy in the building,” Quinn said. “I’ve seen it before and it’s not a good thing. I’m just trying to walk in with a positive spirit and get myself prepared for the season as a Chicago Bear and take life as it comes.”