The Chicago Bears have been hard at work settling everything they can for the upcoming season, including clearing up any contract-related issues. One of the biggest was working something out with ascending nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon. It was clear immediately that new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen is a big fan of the former 2nd round pick. That ringing endorsement was all the confirmation GM Ryan Poles needed. In the following weeks, the two sides were hard at work figuring out the numbers.
Finally, a resolution was reached. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Gordon will receive a three-year extension worth $40 million, with $31.25 million guaranteed.
This deal ensures the Bears now have two former draft picks secure at least for the next three years alongside Jaylon Johnson. They are joined by Montez Sweat and Dayo Odeyingbo. Other names who could get some traction in the coming months are Gervon Dexter, Tyrique Stevenson, and Gordon's draft classmate, Jaquan Brisker.
The Chicago Bears did the right thing on Gordon.
Nickel cornerbacks are still relatively cheap compared to other defensive back positions in the NFL. His skill and versatility are hard to replicate. It was one of the reasons the team prioritized him with their first pick in the 2022 draft. He has the speed to play tight coverage, the toughness to tackle in the run game, and the instincts to blitz the quarterback. His only drawback to this point has been his health. Gordon has missed nine games over the past three seasons. The Chicago Bears don't seem overly worried by that. He is too valuable to what this defense can be moving forward. It will be interesting to see if they add another prominent piece to the mix in the upcoming draft.
