The Mitch Trubisky Contract Issue Just Gained Further Clarity

The Chicago Bears don't have to worry about the Mitch Trubisky contract just yet. He's entering the third year of his rookie deal. One that can ultimately go five in total if they use the option in the contract for every 1st round draft pick. So they don't necessarily need to rush. However, if he performs as good or better than he did last season when he was a Pro Bowl alternate? It stands to reason that GM Ryan Pace may move swiftly to lock him up for the long-term.

That is what the Los Angels Rams are about to do. Word leaked via Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter that the team is moving fast towards a four-year extension for their Pro Bowl quarterback Jared Goff. Word is it will have the highest guaranteed money in league history and average around $32 million per season. This should offer a barometer of exactly what the Bears will be looking at in the near future with Trubisky.

The big question will be whether Pace decides to wait on an extension or not. Some of that depends on Trubisky himself and how well he plays. However, there is something key to note here. Pace tends to wait until his draft picks are entering the final years of their rookie contracts before discussing new deals. It was the case with Eddie Goldman in 2018 and again with Cody Whitehair this year.

Mitch Trubisky contract is not the only one either

The more one looks, it appears Pace has a monumental task ahead of him in 2020. Both safety Eddie Jackson and running back Tarik Cohen will be entering the final year of their respective deals. Both were All-Pros in 2018. If Trubisky does indeed seek extension talks, that is three massive deals the Bears will have to discuss, and with a limited amount of money to go around. OverTheCap.com has the Bears at around $18.8 million in salary cap room. This is before the Whitehair contract has become public knowledge.

Next year that cap is predicted to fall to $1.63 million. Suffice it to say, Pace may have to do a ton of money moving in order to account for just two of those players, nevermind three. Sacrifices may be needed. Veterans like Kyle Long and Prince Amukamara could be released. Leonard Floyd? A possible trade option. Allen Robinson may also need an extension to help lower his projected $13 million cap hit for next season. Or he could be traded too. Nothing is off the table.

Even then there's no guarantee the Bears can keep all three players. They'd have to prioritize, with Trubisky and Jackson being the obvious first choices. That would make Cohen a trade option as well. One way or another, Pace knew this was coming and undoubtedly is prepared for it.