After securing Montez Sweat to a contract extension following the trade to acquire him, most agreed the biggest focus for GM Ryan Poles was obvious. He had to figure out how to get a deal done with cornerback Jaylon Johnson. He’s the best player in their secondary and is just now entering his prime. While not the turnover machine some hoped, Johnson is more than good enough to deserve a payday. It comes down to how much he’s asking for and what the Chicago Bears are willing to pay. However, Johnson might not be the sole focus anymore.
Another prominent name has suddenly emerged in the contract discussions. That is Teven Jenkins. While the clock isn’t as pressing as it is with Johnson, the Bears have to start seriously crafting the parameters of a deal. It’s abundantly clear at this point that Jenkins is their best offensive lineman. Since returning from his calf injury a few weeks ago, the guard hasn’t just performed well in every game. He has straight dominated. He’s allowed only a handful of pressures in pass protection and has buried guys in the run game.
The Chicago Bears face a tricky negotiation with Jenkins.
There is no denying the guy plays like a Pro Bowler. He can do everything required on the field. His problem is availability. Since getting drafted in 2021, he has missed 19 games combined with various injuries. Paying big money to a player who has yet to play even close to a full season is always risky. Poles must navigate the situation with caution. The best approach is offering an extension with built-in conditions. Perhaps Jenkins must start a certain number of games to qualify for pay bumps. This way, the team is protected against any further health setbacks.
Johnson remains the priority looking ahead to the off-season. He’s more than earned it. Just don’t be shocked if the Chicago Bears also work hard to get something done with Jenkins. Much of this depends on whether he finishes the rest of the season healthy. That would go a long way in easing their fears about his durability. If they can consistently keep him on the field, their offensive line is one step closer to becoming a major team strength. Especially if the people in charge recognize how good he is playing next to Darnell Wright.
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I don’t think Jenkins will earn anywhere near top dollar because of injuries. It should not be that hard to agree on a contract that is fair to both sides. He’s easily our best OL right now, and he needs to b resigned if at all possible.
Hey Erik —
That’s some great advice on how to construct a contract. Did Ryan Poles consult with you, when he signed Nate “king of the IR-dwellers” Davis to that $30 million contract; with $19.25 million guaranteed?
I didn’t think so.
And to all you OL critics (that have never played the position): Zack Martin, as good an NFL guard as you’ll ever see, gets beat on occasion, too.
Ryan Poles: Give Teven Jenkins his due. Pay the man!
I agree with some on here that he is not the best guard in the league. But he did just go to that position last year. Then he got injured. Then he got moved to the left side. He hasn’t come close to playing a full year at right guard but he is already top five in the NFC. I would say that is pretty good.
When Poles put together the trade with Carolina for the #1 overall pick, he wanted a player, and supposedly, he gave Fitterer (Panthers GM) a list of three, DJ Moore, Brian Burns, and a DT. Not certain, but I think it was the DT that Jenkins some trouble last night. So Jenkins was beaten a few times by a top 3-tech DT. While that’s not great, it’s not terrible either. Bears gave up no sacks, which is partly good OL play and partly Bagent, and no turnovers, which is a bit OL and mostly Bagent. Hoping that over time, Wright… Read more »
@BearDownTX, I agree. He’s not as dominant as some try to state, especially in pass pro. But, he is worthy of an extension, considering what else is on the OL. I’m also hoping Braxton J. steps up and shows more during these remaining games, because that would alleviate the need to use one of those top two picks on a LT.