April 16--It's a clerical transaction more than any sort of surprising news. The Bears have made it known for some time they plan to have offensive lineman Kyle Long as part of their long-term plans. So on Friday, in advance of an NFL deadline to do so, the Bears announced they were exercising the fifth-year option on Long's rookie deal, a move that keeps the three-time Pro Bowl selection under contract through 2017.
Under the league's current collective bargaining agreement, all rookies are given four-year deals with teams holding a fifth-year option for first-round picks. That option must be exercised in the spring before the player's fourth season -- this year's deadline is May 3. So it was only natural that the Bears would move to assure stability for themselves and Long.
Long, selected with the No. 20 overall pick in 2013, has been to the Pro Bowl after each of his first three seasons. He spent his first two years as the Bears' starting right guard, then made a late switch to right tackle just before the 2015 regular season began. Now, it appears Long will move back inside to play guard again. And the Bears seem likely to engage in talks to get Long a contract extension before his current deal expires in March 2018.
dwiederer@tribpub.com
