Which of these Bears earned a contract extension this offseason?

Say what you will about former Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace, but his last few NFL draft classes were pretty good. He identified and selected serviceable depth pieces, stole some immediate starters in later rounds, and made the big trade to draft Justin Fields.

Some of those draft gems are now eligible for contract extensions (or new contracts altogether). Some will be allowed to head to free agency, but there are a few that current GM Ryan Poles should lock down as soon as possible.

Who are they, and what kind of contract should they be offered? Let’s take a look.

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Cole Kmet

My top priority this offseason would be extending Kmet. He led the team in receptions, yards, and touchdowns as the starting tight end. His role in the passing game has continued to evolve and improve, making him a reliable target for quarterback Justin Fields. Kmet also impresses in the run game, delivering key blocks to spring the ball carrier into open space.

As good as he is, Kmet will not reset the tight end market. I would expect him to receive a contract similar to Buffalo’s Dawson Knox, who signed a 4-year, $52 million extension last year. With as much cap space as the Bears have and the cap expected to balloon higher, this could be a bargain if Kmet continues to improve.

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Jaylon Johnson

If there’s a downside to Johnson’s career thus far, it’s that he only has one interception in three years, and that’s just not enough to be considered a truly elite cornerback. But he’s a leader in the secondary, and he impacts the game even if it doesn’t show on the stat sheet. Quarterbacks don’t throw his way very often, and that’s one of the best compliments a defensive back can receive.

Like Kmet, an extension for Johnson shouldn’t reset the market but must still be a serious offer. I would say he’s earned a 4-year deal that would pay him roughly $60 million.

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David Montgomery

I’m in the camp that wants to bring back Montgomery. I think he’s been a reliable producer on the field and a leader in the locker room. The only reason I would not extend him would be that if Saquon Barkley hits free agency, you have to put what’s best for the franchise ahead of personal feelings. Barkley, and his massive price tag, would be the preferred option.

Montgomery does everything well, from running to catching passes and blocking, but he’s not elite in any of those facets of the game. A reasonable extension for him shouldn’t be expensive. I would look to extend him for three years at $22.5 million.

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Darnell Mooney

Despite his important role in the Bears’ offense, Mooney hasn’t earned a contract extension this offseason. I’m a big fan of his character and his chemistry with Justin Fields, but he needed to show more in 2022. I wanted to see him play like a true WR1, but that did not happen.

Mooney can still earn a lucrative new contract with the Bears, but he’ll need to produce in 2023 to get it.

Waiting another season to discuss a new contract is beneficial to Mooney, too, who ended 2022 with a serious lower-leg injury. If he has a breakout year in 2023, he’ll be one of the most sought-after free agents one year from now.

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