I say we should ask the Bears for permission to speak with both Smith and Rivera. Who cares if they say no, it will tell Lovie that he can have the job if he wants it and not ot settle for their lowball offer. It would also put the fear in them that they may lose Rivera and then lose Smith next year. They may decide to let him speak with us and work out a deal, if not maybe Smith will decide not to sign a deal with them and let himself become a free agent next year when we can scoop him up.