The Chicago Bears wasted no time locking up two-time Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson to a long-term extension merely days into their 2020 offseason.
Monday was the earliest teams could’ve signed 2017 draftees to an extension, and general manager Ryan Pace inked Jackson to a four-year deal worth $58.4 million with $33 million guaranteed just five days later, becoming the first 2017 draftee to sign an extension.
Jackson, who still had one year remaining on his rookie deal, will make $14.6 million per season, which makes him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
“We’re very excited to get this deal done with Eddie to keep him in a Bears uniform long-term,” Pace said. “It’s rare to find a player in this league with talent like Eddie’s. He’s a rangy ball hawk with exceptional IQ, a great teammate and a natural leader. He is the anchor to the back end of our defense and we are fortunate to have him.”
In just three seasons, Jackson has proved to be one of the best safeties in the NFL. He’s scored five defensive touchdowns in his first two seasons, which is tied for the most in NFL history with the Jets’ Erik McMillan.
Jackson had a breakout season in 2018, where he was named first-team All-Pro for his career-high six interceptions and three touchdowns on two interception returns and a fumble return.
The Bears have developed a championship-caliber defense that he even on a down season managed to give up the fourth fewest points in the league. Jackson is a cornerstone piece of a defense that the Bears hopefully won’t be wasted on a struggling offense.
