The Chicago Bears agreed to a three-year contract extension with nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon, league sources said. The first draft pick of general manager Ryan Poles’ tenure, Gordon is under contract through 2028.
Last season, Gordon played in 15 games with 13 starts and had five passes defensed, four tackles for loss and three fumble recoveries. In 13 games in 2023, he had two picks and six passes defensed. He has established himself as one of the game’s best slot corners, and this contract is paying him that way.
As first reported by ESPN, the $40 million deal with $31.25 million guaranteed makes Gordon the highest-paid slot cornerback.
Gordon, nicknamed “Spider-Man,” began his career as a full-time corner, playing outside in base defense and then inside in the nickel. The Bears shifted him to a full-time nickel corner, and that paid dividends, as he has consistently made big plays against the run and pass.
Before an injury, Gordon had five tackles for two yards or less in London last season, including one behind the line of scrimmage. His four “run stuffs” for zero yards tied for second among all corners in football, per TruMedia.
When coach Ben Johnson was hired, one of the first Bears players he mentioned was Gordon, whom he called “a phenomenal nickel.” At the league meetings two weeks ago in Florida, Poles said a Gordon extension was a priority.
“I know Kyler is a guy that we want to be part of this moving forward,” he said.
Gordon was voted the Bears’ Ed Block Courage Award winner for this past season. While he has yet to put together a full season because of injuries, none have been major, and when he’s been on the field, he’s been very effective.
“Kyler Gordon is an outstanding nickel player,” new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said in January. “I have a vision for how we can utilize him.”