Last offseason, one of the Bears’ top priorities was working out a deal with cornerback Jaylon Johnson. After applying the franchise tag, a four-year, $76MM extension was signed; 2025 could see another long-term commitment made at the position.
As a 2022 draftee, Kyler Gordon is now eligible for a new deal. He is still attached to his rookie contract for 2025, but without a fifth-year option being in place, it would be feasible for the Bears to negotiate an extension this spring. Indeed, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune writes it would not come as a surprise if Gordon were to be among the team’s top financial priorities.
The 25-year-old has started 34 of his 42 games with Chicago, operating as a key figure in the team’s secondary. Gordon has settled into a full-time role as slot corner, and he has amassed 17 pass deflections and five interceptions during his three years in the league. While high-end producers on the perimeter have landed lucrative deals in recent years, the top of the market for slot CBs has not enjoyed the same forward momentum. Gordon – who has played all-but exclusively on the inside the past two seasons – could look to close the gap on an extension.
“That [pay difference] is crazy because to me I feel like I play three positions, really four positions almost,” the former second-rounder said. “I feel like I play linebacker, safety, nickel and corner. It’s crazy to think that doesn’t get incorporated. That’s just what the business is.”
11 corners (including Johnson) are currently averaging at least $19MM per season on their contracts. With respect to players who primarily (or entirely) play in the slot, though, the top of the market is $10.25MM. That is the average annual value of Michael Carter II and Taron Johnson‘s extensions signed last year with the Jets and Bills, respectively. As a result, any new Gordon pact will likely check in near that figure.
Chicago already has Johnson in place as a long-term commitment, and safety Jaquan Brisker is also eligible for an extension. Tyrique Stevenson, meanwhile, will be in the same position one year from now, so the Bears’ secondary will soon become much more expensive if it is to remain intact beyond the next few seasons. A key factor in determining whether or not that will be the case will of course be how the team proceeds with Gordon.
Gordon is solid. But ever since his Washington Hail Mary disaster, Stevenson’s performance regressed considerably. Now they have to consider upgrading there which before the season was considered a major strength.
If it were me as GM, Stevenson would be traded ASAP, find team crazy enough to give up a 2nd or 3rd round pick for him and ship him out.. if anything to show that kind of behavior will not be tolerated. If this was the first time his antics put the team in a bad spot maybe he stays, but he has shown he is a hot head who cannot control himself after the whistle. Including that Washington game where earlier in the game he got an unsportsmanlike penalty for something stupid he did.
You won’t get a 2nd for Stephenson. Maybe a 3rd, but even that’s a stretch. The rest of the league sees the reasons you mentioned as to why they need to trade him.
Agreed. Teams rarely (never?) get back the same deaft capital they used to acquire a player when dumping him. There’s talent wirh Stevenson. So, a team would definitely take a chance on him. But it needs to be the right fit. My guess, if it happens, is Las Vegas.
They should. He’s well worth it. Now that he has a real DC he could even flourish. Not sure about Brisker. If he would just tackle people instead of trying to destroy people just get them on the ground and keep out of the hospital.
I love Brisker, a coworker said he reminded him of Mike Brown, including the rash of bad injuries. If he could stay healthy the Bears would have little to worry about in the secondary this off season. However Owens is a backup at best.
Brisker is great, but they need to move on from him after next year. He’s simply just unreliable. The most important attribute is being healthy enough to play. If he wants to sign an incentive laden deal then okay, but we can’t go another year with “will he be back this season or not?”
Never heard of this guy…..lol….is it really a priority?
Well that just shows you do not watch the Bears games.
Because there not showed enough on TV but this year unlike jet fans who learned from Philly fan the world don’t revolve around around you but it will in 2025
When players get to greedy the team lose Gordon be fair but get what you EARNED ON THE FIELD .Hope you stay in Chi town
Gordon can always return to that police commissioner job in Gotham city helping Batman, if the Bears don’t want to offer a pay bump.