Willie Young Reels in Two-Year Extension
Outside linebacker Willie Young agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Chicago Bears on Saturday.
Fisherman often talk about “the one that got away.” On Saturday, Chicago Bears GM Ryan Pace assured that a surprising big fish, and big fisherman himself, Willie Young isn’t getting away any time soon. Young and the Bears agreed to a two-year extension that will keep him with the Bears until 2018.
"“I’m slightly speechless right now but super excited about my opportunity to extend my career with the Bears,” Young said. “I want to give a big thanks to the organization for absolutely believing in me with no doubt. I’m just super excited right now.”"
Young has been called an NFL “survivor” as a former seventh round draft pick who’s beaten the odds and not only survived but thrived. The fact that he got an extension is a testament to Young not only as a player but as a person.
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It seemed like the case of a square peg in a round hole last season when John Fox, Vic Fangio and their 3-4 defense arrived in Chicago to greet 4-3 defensive end Willie Young. If a scheme change weren’t enough of a challenge, Young was also recovering from a torn Achilles tendon in Week 16 that ended his 2014 season.
A lot of Bears observers thought Young might be traded or cut when Marc Trestman, Phil Emery and Co. were shown the door after the disastrous 2014 season and a new 3-4 scheme was ushered in. Young impressed the new regime with his work ethic and his results in the position change last season enough to get Ryan Pace to invest in him rather than cutting him loose.
"“It’s our first contract extension here, so I’m excited about that,” Pace told reporters. “I’m excited for Willie and excited for the Bears. We did this because of everything he brings to the table. He’s a productive player, he’s a good player and most importantly he’s a good teammate.“It feels good to reward somebody that’s worked as hard as he’s worked and overcome the injury last year, and is the leader that he is out there mentoring our younger players. I feel really good about it. It’s good for our locker room and it’s good for our team.”"
Young will have tough competition for snaps at outside linebacker. With Pernell McPhee, Lamar Houston and first round rookie Leonard Floyd all vying for snaps among others, Young won’t have time to celebrate the new paper. He’s got work to do before his next fishing trip.