Kyler Gordon says Bears "showed how much" they valued him in negotiating
$40 million extension
[April 16, 2025]
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) — Kyler Gordon wasn't necessarily looking
for the Chicago Bears to make him the highest paid slot cornerback in
the NFL. That was just a neat bonus.
His three-year, $40 million contract extension through the 2028 season
takes some “stress off the plate.” It also helps him focus a little more
on adapting to a new coaching staff and playbook. |
Chicago Bears cornerback Kyler Gordon warms up before an NFL football
game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Santa
Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez, File) |
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“I think Chicago and the organization showed
how much they did value me, and what they wanted to do with me
here and wanted to keep me here," Gordon said after finalizing
the deal on Tuesday. "I feel like you guys heard the majority of
the time that it’s a priority and they showed me that since the
beginning. We talked about it. I think it’s just a good feeling
to have that coming from the staff and organization.”
The 25-year-old Gordon is guaranteed $31.25 million under the
extension. He was the first player drafted by general manager
Ryan Poles when he was taken in the second round out of
Washington in 2022.
Gordon has five interceptions and 17 passes defended in three
seasons. He had three interceptions as a rookie and two more in
2023. Gordon played in a career-high 15 games last year and
broke up five passes.
Gordon is part of a secondary that includes cornerbacks Jaylon
Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson, along with safeties Kevin Byard
and Jaquan Brisker. Johnson agreed to a four-year, $76 million
contract extension in March 2024.
“We’re all thinking about where we want to take this team more
than what I’m doing. At least that’s where my mind is,” he said.
“We all wanted to get this out of the way and do it the right
way, respectfully and then really get to the main priority,
which is building this team. Getting where we want to get in
this NFL season.”
Gordon's extension is the latest move in a busy offseason, after
the Bears finished last in the NFC North at 5-12.
Chicago hired coach Ben Johnson in January. The Bears rebuilt
their offensive line by trading for guards guards Joe Thuney and
Jonah Jackson and signing center Drew Dalman. They also added to
their defensive line, signing Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo.
The Bears have the No. 10 overall pick in the draft next week.
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