The Chicago Bears knew what was coming when they got involved in the Khalil Mack trade negotiations. Giving up multiple draft picks for the superstar pass rusher was only part of the equation. They would also have to sign him to a lucrative new contract. One that would likely make him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.
Word is GM Ryan Pace and Mack’s agent began talking Friday night, working on the details of the new deal. While word began to filter out about the trade going down, communication remained constant. Both sides were committed to getting things done by the end of business on Saturday. They achieved that goal with flying colors.
Khalil Mack and the Bears just reached agreeement on a record-setting 6-year, $141 million extension ($23.5M per year avg) that includes $90M guaranteed and $60M at signing, source tells ESPN.
Mack is the new highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2018
The announcement officially makes Mack the highest-paid defender in pro football history and locks him into the Bears’ future until 2024. Keep in mind that pass rushers age fairly well. Or the great ones do anyway. Many of them have shown they can produce double digit sacks in the NFL into their mid-30s.
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Mack is only 27.
If this trend holds, the Bears just got a superstar edge rusher on their defense for the next half decade or more at a relatively affordable cost. They surrendered two 1st round picks, a 3rd round pick and a 6th round pick in the deal but received Mack, a 2nd round pick and a conditional 5th round pick in return. It’s hard to feel in any way how this is a bad deal for Chicago.
Pace played the situation exactly right. He got his team an absolute stud at their most critical position of need without mortgaging too much of the future. This is why he gets paid the big bucks. Now Mack can relax and focus on what he does best. Hunting quarterbacks. Hopefully, it starts with Aaron Rodgers next week.
