Things have cooled down for the Chicago Bears in recent weeks after plenty of moves to begin the new league year. Chicago made both significant trades and signings in free agency to improve its roster, so the attention is now on setting this roster up for the future with the NFL Draft fast approaching.
However, another way to improve this rising team's contending chances is by locking down the veterans whose contracts are nearing an end and keeping them around for the long haul. Well, the Bears did just that on Sunday, as it was revealed Chicago has reached a three-year, up to $40 million extension with cornerback Kyle Gordon.
This deal will keep the 2022 second-round pick in the Windy City through the 2028 season after taking major strides since a rocky rookie year. It also shows GM Ryan Poles is a man of his word.
Ryan Poles' Delivers on Contract Promise to Bears Defender
At the NFL's annual league meetings near the end of March, Poles told reporters that re-signing Gordon was a "priority." He admitted at the time he wasn't sure of the timing of when an extension would be reached, but the Bears GM made it clear the team intended to retain the Washington product.
Still, plans change all the time in the NFL, especially when contract negotiations are involved. If either camp disagrees with the other, it suddenly puts the player's status as a member of the team in jeopardy. So Poles' positive statements about Gordon might not have been totally reflective of the situation when he relayed them to the media.
Yet, Poles not only saying he intended to re-sign Gordon but actually following through shows the value of his word. That's the kind of person players want leading personnel decisions.
Poles has certainly done his part in helping put Caleb Williams and co. in a great position to turn things around this season. Hopefully touted head coach hiring Ben Johnson fulfills his end of the bargain with plenty of news faces in town hungry to make a run for the NFC North title.
