The Chicago Bears are once again rewarding one of their own, this time with a massive multi-year extension.
According to Adam Schefter, the Bears have reached a deal on a 3-year, $40 million extension with cornerback Kyler Gordon. Gordon had one more year remaining on his rookie contract but is now locked in with the Bears through 2028.
The new deal makes Gordon the NFL's highest-paid nickel cornerback.
ESPN source: Bears reached agreement today on a three-year, $40 million extension that includes $31.25 million guaranteed with CB Kyler Gordon. The deal now makes Gordon the NFL’s highest-paid slot corner and contractually ties him to Chicago through the 2028 season. pic.twitter.com/fWXyI5bCc2
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 13, 2025
Gordon was actually the first draft pick of the Ryan Poles Era, a second-round selection out of Washington in 2022. From Day 1, Gordon was an impactful player in Chicago starting 14 games as a rookie and recording three interceptions.
Last season, Gordon really broke out on the national stage, despite missing two games. In 15 games, Gordon totaled 75 total tackles, five pass deflections, and nine total pressures (which was tied for the fourth-most among cornerbacks in 2024).
“It’s always a priority to re-sign your own," Poles said at the 2025 Combine . "I think Kyler's done a really good job over the last few years making plays and impacting the game. I really believe he's going to continue to elevate his game to the next level, especially with [defensive coordinator Dennis Allen] and this new scheme."
— Marquee Bears (@BearsMarquee) February 25, 2025“It’s always a priority to re-sign your own … I really believe (Kyler Gordon’s) gonna continue to elevate his game to the next level.”
Ryan Poles on a contract extension with Kyler Gordon pic.twitter.com/hCV6kwCuCC
Nickel cornerbacks are traditionally underappreciated but the Bears are making it clear how valuable Gordon is to this entire defense. At 25-years-old, Gordon is just now entering the prime of his career and always strives to find improvements in his game.
"I look at the good and the bad plays and just keep trying to elevate my game and grow in my areas," Gordon explained. "I don't much look at the good but just look at the weakness where I can improve... Constantly finding more ways to produce more."
Playing in this new scheme for the next few years with his new defensive coordinator is certainly going to help achieve that and live up to this new extension. Allen's defense loves to utilize nickel cornerbacks in different ways, including rushing the passer. During his introductory press conference, Allen had high praise for Gordon.
"Kyler Gordon is an outstanding nickel player," Allen said during his introductory press conference. "I have a vision for how we can utilize him."
With Gordon and star boundary cornerback Jaylon Johnson both extended, the Bears have two top players in the secondary locked in for the long-term future.
Safety Jaquan Brisker, another 2022 second-round selection, could be the next in line to receive a new deal with the Bears. Brisker is entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2025 but has suffered three concussions in three years, which complicates things.
Nevertheless, it's great to see Poles invest in his guys long-term, especially the ones who have become a vital part of this entire team.
This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.
