The Chicago Bears have made some smart moves under GM Ryan Poles. While Poles has had some misses — Velus Jones Jr. comes to mind — he’s also had major hits, especially with trades. The deal that sent the first overall pick to Carolina brought in a haul that now includes Caleb Williams is always at the top of people’s lists. But sometimes the best moves aren’t trades, free-agent signings, or even draft picks. Locking up a player early with a contract extension can be huge for future salary cap flexibility.
A perfect example is Jaylon Johnson’s extension last year. The Bears signed Johnson to a 4-year, $76 million deal ($19 million per year) with $51 million guaranteed. It looked like a solid deal at the time, but it’s proving to be a steal as the cornerback market has exploded. Recently, Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. signed a 3-year, $90 million deal ($30 million per year), making him the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL. Johnson is now well outside the top 10 in cornerback salaries, highlighting how smart it was for Poles to secure the Pro Bowl and Second-Team All-Pro corner early.
Jaylon Johnson at 4 years, $76M ($19M per year) $51M guaranteed is unbelievable value https://t.co/wXIwZpJzCk
— Dave (@dave_bfr) March 17, 2025
Now, Poles has a chance to do the same with Kyler Gordon. Gordon is just 25 years old and has expressed interest in staying in Chicago.
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“I love Chicago, I love everything about it…The people, the history, the team, community. This is where God is telling me to be, this is where I will be. It’s where I want to be. As far as an extension, we’ll see what happens. I’ve got no control over that, but God willing.”
With the cornerback market only getting more expensive, locking Gordon up before the season would be a smart play. He’s an ideal candidate for an extension, and Poles would be wise to act now before the price tag rises even further.
RB Jeanty would make the offense too unpredictable and explosive. DE Abdul, LB Jihaad, or S Emmanwori might do the same for the defense.
Gordon being extended is a no brainer, I think Poles will get this done probably after the draft or before training camp.
+1 on that. Gordon can be a key piece of the D, and he’s only going to be more effective in Allen’s defense. Sacks are good, but when the DL wins and forces bad throws, picks are even better – Gordon is an ideal to take advantage of that, as well as provide the occasional surprise blitz. At safety, I wouldn’t mind a trade, 2.39 + 2.41 –> 1.17 per the Rich Hill chart, so somewhere in the range below that if Emmanwori is on the board, and maybe get back a day 3 pick or two (4th and 6th… Read more »
I want to see Gordon extended. To my mind, he’s been the best player – proven on the field – that Poles has brought in. I think resigning him is a win for for everyone. But I’d also like to see us make a few trades to bring in more late round picks. Your chances of hitting on solid DBs in the later rounds are excellent – they hit in those rounds more than any other position. And there are guys like Swift, just as one example, who really dont fit here anymore. Coach Johnson unloaded him once before, so… Read more »
Get this done tomorrow and get a Safety. Brisker can’t stay on the field and Byard isn’t getting younger. Wonder if Gordon’s game could translate to safety