Cody Whitehair Extension Hopes Seem to Have a Fixed Date

The Chicago Bears have one major contract issue left on their docket for 2019. That is regarding left guard Cody Whitehair. He'll be a free agent next year and after a Pro Bowl alternate campaign in last season, it's no surprise the Bears would like to keep him long-term. Especially given the uncertain future regarding veteran Kyle Long. Whitehair and James Daniels would keep their interior strong in the event Long is out after this season.

Whitehair for his part doesn't seem perturbed by the discussions. He's been in camp from the beginning and is completely focused on the season. He remains confident something will get done, one way or another. The fact that the Bears freed up another $5 million by restructuring the contract of left tackle Charles Leno Jr. only reinforces the belief that GM Ryan Pace is working hard to get this thing done.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune believes that both sides are moving towards this resolution. It's only a matter of when. Based on all factors in play? Odds are it happens a few days before the opener against Green Bay.

"The team has made no secret of its desire to complete an extension with Whitehair, who is entering the final year of his contract. While roster moves will dominate this weekend, it would not be surprising if the team gets something done with Whitehair at the start of next week. That would be consistent with the timing for recent extensions for offensive linemen Charles Leno and Kyle Long and defensive linemen Akiem Hicks and Eddie Goldman. Whitehair could choose to play out his deal and see what the market holds for him in March, but my belief is he is driven to get a new contract."

Cody Whitehair is primed for his best year yet

As strong as Whitehair was at center, especially last year, he may finally be in the spot he was meant to play. When he was drafted back in 2016, the plan had always been for Whitehair to play left guard. That was where he'd been practicing all of training camp. Then Hroniss Grasu tore his ACL. In a crisis, the Bears decided Whitehair had the necessary quickness to handle center so they moved him there. He ended up playing quite well.

So they kept him there. Things went fine but then changed when James Daniels was drafted. The Iowa product was a standout at center, a position that seemed natural for him. It felt like a matter of time before the coaches decided to move him there. This offseason felt like it. Now Whitehair no longer has to focus on snapping or making adjustments at the line. He can just block. Normally when a player has to think less, he plays better.

This could mean we're about to see Whitehair at his best.