The Chicago Bears wasted no time inking two-time Pro Bowl safety Eddie Jackson to a massive four-year contract extension on Friday — worth $58.4 million with $33 million guaranteed — making him the NFL’s highest-paid safety.
It was the first of several moves general manager Ryan Pace is expected to make in-house this offseason prior to free agency on March 16.
Here are six players that could be next in line for a contract extension with the Bears:
1. WR Allen Robinson
Receiver Allen Robinson has expressed his desire to retire a Chicago Bear, and the team certainly will honor his request, at least for the foreseeable future. Robinson has one year left on his three-year deal, and he’s proven to be a clear-cut No. 1 receiver for this team.
In 2019, Robinson had 98 catches for 1,147 yards and seven touchdowns. He became the Bears’ first 1,000-yard receiver since Alshon Jeffery in 2014.
But it’s the circumstances that Robinson has achieved his success that speaks louder than even some of his stats. The Bears offense was one of the worst in the NFL, and Robinson still managed to thrive with poor quarterback play and teams knowing that he was going to be the go-to target.
Robinson should be the next guy the Bears lock down. Period.
2. LB Nick Kwiatkoski
Next to Allen Robinson, inside linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski needs to be a top priority for the Bears this offseason. Following injuries to Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith, Kwiatkoski has made the most of his opportunity with a breakout season in 2019.
This season, Kwiatkoski recorded 60 total tackles, three sacks, one interception, one forced fumble and one safety. He definitely stated his case for a contract extension — and that might be the nail in the coffin of Danny Trevathan’s future in Chicago, where he’s due to become a free agent.
During a season where some defensive players didn’t live up to expectations, Kwiatkoski was one of few that exceeded expectations. The Bears would do well to pair Kwiatkoski with Smith next season and beyond.
3. DT Nick Williams
Bears defensive tackle Nick Williams had an impressive season, and he’s definitely earned a contract extension with the team. The only question is, for a Bears team that will be tight on cap space, can they afford him?
Williams had a breakout season in his seventh season, where he stepped up when his team needed him as they dealt with injuries on the defensive line with Akiem Hicks and Bilal Nichols. Williams finished the 2019 season with 42 total tackles, including five for loss, as well as six sacks.
He’s certainly done enough to turn heads in free agency. But while Williams insisted he’d like to remain in Chicago, it’s a matter of if the Bears can ink him at the right price, especially considering other needs and in-house extensions.
4. LB Kevin Pierre-Louis
While there wasn’t much optimism in a season of disappointment, inside linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis was one of the bright spots on defense. Filling in for an injured Roquan Smith, whose season ended with a torn pectoral muscle in Week 14, Pierre-Louis showed in a short amount of time that he’s someone worth committing to moving forward.
In relief of Smith, Pierre-Louis finished the final four games with 28 tackles and an interception. His instincts and speed were elements of his game that jumped out.
Pierre-Louis has already expressed his interest in returning to the Bears, and they should oblige to ensure continued depth at inside linebacker.
5. CB Sherrick McManis
In his eight years with the Bears, cornerback Sherrick McManis has proven to be a valuable asset. In 2019, he played in nine games, totaling 11 combined tackles, one pass deflection and one forced fumble before finishing his season on injured reserve after Week 13.
But it’s been his special teams contributions that have made him invaluable for this team. McManis is arguably the Bears best special teamer — with respect for All-Pro kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson — and he’s someone the Bears need to make sure stays in Chicago. And they’re likely to get him at a more-than-reasonable price.
6. S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
The Bears just locked up one of their safeties long-term in Eddie Jackson, and thoughts shift to the possibility of Chicago extending safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix. The Bears signed him to a one-year prove-it deal, and he was a more affordable option than Adrian Amos, who signed with the Packers last offseason.
Clinton-Dix finished the season with 78 tackles, two interceptions, five pass breakups and two fumble recoveries. It’ll be a challenge for Pace to retain Clinton-Dix, if that’s what he wants, as his salary will be much higher than the one-year, $3 million bargain the Bears got last season.
Although there’s an argument to be made that Jackson should move back to free safety, where he thrived last season, which is also the position Clinton-Dix plays. Will the Bears bring in a strong safety to pair with Jackson, or will they stick with Jackson and Clinton-Dix heading into 2020?
