The Chicago Bears have locked up one of their defensive centerpieces.
The Bears agreed to terms with cornerback Kyler Gordon on a contract extension, sources confirmed to the Tribune on Monday. The three-year deal is worth $40 million and includes $31.25 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who first reported the deal Sunday night.
Gordon, 25, is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. With the new deal, he will remain under team control through the 2028 season. The contract will make him the NFL’s highest-paid nickel cornerback.
Gordon was the first draft selection Bears general manager Ryan Poles made after taking over in 2022. In the three seasons since, Gordon has found a home at nickel corner, typically lining up across from the slot receiver.
Locking up Gordon to a long-term deal was one of the priorities on Poles’ to-do list this offseason.
“In our exit meetings at the end of last season, I told all the guys in terms of future — if it was contracts, coming back, anything like that — the important thing is I’ve got to get with our new coaching staff and see how the different players fit based on the scheme,” Poles said last month at the NFL owners meetings in Florida. “We’ve been able to have those conversations, and I know Kyler is a guy that we want to be a part of this moving forward.”
Gordon made an impression on his new coaches before setting foot on the field to play under them. Coach Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen mentioned Gordon as a key piece of the defense during their introductory news conferences.
“Kyler Gordon is an outstanding nickel player,” Allen said on Jan. 30. “I have a vision for how we can utilize him. I think the foundation for what we want to do (defensively) is there, and I’m excited about finally getting these guys in here and having the opportunity to work with him and see exactly what we have.”
Nickel corner is an increasingly important position in the NFL, as defenses now typically play five defensive backs the majority of the time. The nickel corner is in a unique spot because he often has to cover larger wide receivers or tight ends and must be capable of providing run support.
Last month the Jacksonville Jaguars made Jourdan Lewis the highest-paid nickel corner with a three-year, $30 million contract, which Gordon’s new deal surpasses.
The Bears drafted Gordon out of Washington with the No. 39 pick in the 2022 draft. He has appeared in 42 games with 34 starts. He has five interceptions, two forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, 1½ sacks and 207 combined tackles over three seasons.
