Bears’ Robert Quinn Reports To Training Camp; Latest On Trade Potential

One high-profile member of the Bears’ front seven made headlines yesterday, and today, another is in the news. Robert Quinn has reported to training camp, as noted by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). 

[RELATED: Roquan Smith Won’t Participate In Bears’ Camp]

The 32-year-old did not attend mandatory minicamp in June. Given the fact that his decision was unexcused, speculation was only further fuelled with respect to his desire to remain in Chicago, where he has been for the past two years. Quinn earned his second career Pro Bowl nod last season, with a resurgent 18.5-sack campaign.

It was reported in May that he wanted out of Chicago – something which wouldn’t come as a surprise, considering his age and production, along with the fact that the Bears are rebuilding. He is under contract for three more seasons, with cap hits between $17.1MM and $18.2MM. There is no guaranteed money left on his deal, however.

Teams have thus been keeping an eye on Quinn’s availability if new GM Ryan Poles makes a trade a possibility. When asked about the subject of Quinn’s intentions, Poles said, “I haven’t had that [conversation] with him. I would hope that he wants to be here. Nothing’s changed on that part” (Twitter link via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin).

The Bears have either traded (Khalil Mack), cut (Danny Trevathan, Eddie Goldman) or elected not to re-sign (Akiem Hicks) several big-name members of their defense already this offseason. Moving on from Quinn would therefore be a matter of continuing to offload sizable contracts, though it remains to be seen how willing the new front office is willing to do so in his case. Like with Roquan Smith, Quinn’s level of participation in camp will be the subject of scrutiny.