Bears explain details of Kyle Long’s restructured contract

The Chicago Bears and veteran guard Kyle Long agreed to a restructured contract Tuesday, a deal that will make the former first-round pick a Bear for at least 2019.

At the NFL Combine Wednesday, the Bears described the details of the new deal.

The #Bears described Kyle Long’s restructure as a win-win and there is enough for both sides to like: He took $2.9M less in ’19 (was due $8.9M), but could make $2.5M of that back in incentives. Chicago turned 2020 into a team option & chopped off 2021 (back to the market quicker)

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 27, 2019

Long’s new contract will give Chicago more salary cap flexibility in their efforts to re-sign safety Adrian Amos or cornerback Bryce Callahan (or both).

Long, who’s battled injuries the last few seasons and appeared in only eight games in 2018, is one of the team’s most outspoken leaders and a strong sports presence in Chicago.

Ensuring his return with a new team-friendly deal is a huge win for GM Ryan Pace and the Bears.