The fast approach of 2025 NFL free agency has many wondering whether the Chicago Bears will work to re-sign any of their pending free agents.
With roughly $80 million in estimated cap space, the Bears will have the ability to make strong offers to whomever they wish to retain from their free-agent class. Most notable among the group are veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen and right guard Teven Jenkins, a second-round pick from the previous regime.
A different second-rounder — one not bound for immediate free agency — might have the strongest case to sign the Bears’ next contract extension, though.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti recently dubbed slot cornerback Kyler Gordon the Bears’ most likely extension candidate for the 2025 NFL offseason, projecting him to sign a three-year, $33 million deal based on his dominance in the nickel.
Ginnitti also noted that Gordon has qualified for a salary bump for the 2025 season as a proven performance escalator, which he achieved by playing at least 55% of defensive snaps in each of his first three seasons.
“Gordon has found a role as the nickel back, a position that has increased its market value over the past few offseasons,” Ginnitti wrote. “His 2025 salary was escalated over $2 million this winter due to a Proven Performance Bonus, setting up a potential extension this offseason. The 25-year-old projects toward a three-year, $33 million contract in our system.”
The Bears do not need to extend Gordon, but it could be a wise move given that he has established himself as one of the top slot cornerbacks in the league.
Gordon allowed a career-low 41 receptions in coverage and finished with the 11th-highest Pro Football Focus grade among cornerbacks in 2024. He also emerged as a formidable run defender, tallying a career-high 75 tackles.
While the Bears could hold off on an extension, they run the risk of letting him further raise his price tag if he continues his ascent during the 2025 season.
New Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen has also hinted at big plans for Gordon next season as he brings a more aggressive defense to Chicago.
“Kyler Gordon is an outstanding nickel player,” Allen said on January 30. “I have a vision for how we can utilize him.”
Whether that will hurry Chicago to the negotiating table remains to be seen.
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