Helmet rule keeping Bears’ first-rounder from signing

The holdup in reaching a contract agreement between the Chicago Bears and first-round draft pick Roquan Smith appears to be the NFL’s new rule on players lowering their helmets on tackles.

Smith and his agent are reported to want financial protections in his contract in the event of a suspension for a helmet-related hit. Smith wants to make sure his guaranteed money could be reclaimed after a suspension under the new rule, but the Bears are reported to be reluctant about this type of protection.

The league’s new policy allows for suspension, fines, ejections and penalties when a player lowers his head to make a tackle.

Review-Journal wire services