The Chicago Bears know when they have a good thing.
In a move that surprised no one, the Bears announced Friday that they have exercised the option on RG Kyle Long’s contract to guarantee that the All-Pro guard stays in Chicago through the 2017 season. Long was set to become a free agent after this season.
It’s a no-brainer move for GM Ryan Pace. Long is now locked in for two more years at his affordable rookie contract salary. It also gives the Bears ample time to work on a contract extension, something they would most likely do next offseason.
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Moving Long back to guard will make his price point more affordable than what great tackles make as well. Long had a solid campaign at right tackle in 2015 but the Bears would rather have Long play at an All-Pro level at guard than at a good level at tackle- and at a more affordable price.
The Bears had a similar option with LB Shea McClellin but chose to let him test free agency. The Bears went out and signed Danny Trevathan and Jerrell Freeman and made it clear to McClellin’s camp that they had no interest in retaining the former first round pick.
But the Bears have made it clear to Long that he does fit in their long-term plans. This is clearly only the first move in terms of working on a multiyear deal with Long where they can build the offensive line around him.
Again, the move is of zero surprise and it was a move the Bears clearly would make, it was just a matter of when. Long is a member of the Chicago Bears, at least for two more seasons, and that’s going to bring a smile to Bears fans’ faces everywhere.