Kyler Gordon is among the extension candidates on Chicago’s roster, and a new deal was floated as a likely objective for the team earlier this offseason. The latest comments on that front from general manager Ryan Poles confirm that is the case. 
“That will still be a priority,” Poles said of a Gordon extension (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin). “For me, 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… the important thing is I’ve got to get with our new coaching staff and kind of see how the different players fit based on the scheme. 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.
“So the timing of that, I’m not sure how that all is going work out, but that is a priority.”
A second-round pick in 2022, Gordon has established himself as a core member of Chicago’s secondary. He has made 34 starts to date, and another campaign of primarily operating in the slot can be expected for 2025. The 25-year-old could command a lucrative deal on the open market next offseason if he gets the opportunity, especially if he builds off his five career interceptions and 17 pass breakups.
Given Poles’ remarks, though, it is clear avoiding such as scenario is a goal for the Bears. Chicago made a major investment in fellow corner Jaylon Johnson last offseason, inking him to a four-year, $76MM extension after using the franchise tag. Adding considerably to the resources devoted to the secondary with a second Gordon contract would lead to challenges at other positions, of course, but especially with quarterback Caleb Williams on his rookie deal doing so would be feasible.
Tyrique Stevenson has started all but two games to date in his career, and he could again find himself as a first-team option next season. As Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune writes, though, Terell Smith could compete for that role this summer. Regardless of how that shakes out, adding further options at the position could be a goal during the draft, Biggs adds. Any moves for slot corners would be viewed as a depth addition, given Gordon’s presence on a defense which will be led by Dennis Allen moving forward.
The Washington product is slated to earn $1.89MM in 2025 as things stand. That figure could rise considerably in the form of a signing bonus should a long-term pact be worked out, something to watch for as the offseason unfolds.
Get the Gordon extension done. and while Stevenson may have started last season, I doubt either Johnson or Allen will put up with any nonsense like his gaffe in DC. I for one, hope Terrel Smith steps up and takes the job.