Bears general manager Ryan Poles is swamped with the offseason responsibilities of free agency and the upcoming NFL draft. But sooner or later he’ll have to turn his attention to cornerback Kyler Gordon and the contract extension Gordon is expected to get after three impressive seasons with the Bears.
Gordon, a second-round draft pick (39th overall) in 2022 — Poles’ first draft pick as the Bears’ general manager — was a shining light in a mostly dreadful 2024 season as a standout slot cornerback. He is in the final year of his four-year, $8.6 million rookie contract.
“I love Chicago,” Gordon said Wednesday at Manzo’s Banquet Hall in Des Plaines before being honored as the Bears’ winner of the Ed Block Courage Award. “I love everything about it — the people, the history, the team, the community, so if this is where God tells me to be, this is where I will be. This is where I want to be. As far as extension, we’ll see what happens. I’ve got no control on that. But God willing …”
Gordon, 25, had 75 tackles, no interceptions, but three fumble recoveries in 15 games in 2024. He had five interceptions in his first two seasons with the Bears. He said he is hoping for an extension but is not obsessing over it.
“I want to say [I’m] indifferent about it,” he said. “I’d be extremely happy if it happened now. If it didn’t happen, I’ve still got to go to work regardless. So whatever it may be, my attitude’s going to be positive regardless.”
The hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach has been a morale boost for the Bears — not just offensive players, but defensive players like Gordon.
“I was really excited — that was my No. 1,” Gordon said. “I’m happy we have him here. I like his mentality. I like everything he’s said so far. I’m happy.”
Gordon has faced Johnson’s offense six times in his career. The Bears are 1-5 in those games — allowing 34, 23, 13, 31, 41 and 31 points. So Johnson obviously made a big impression on him.
“The scheme. Tricky,” Gordon said. “How detailed they are. And the way they attack certain players and certain defenses. I’m excited to see what he cooks up. I know he does a really good job with that.”
