Chicago Bears: 5 Players fighting for a contract extension
By Joseph Herff
Germain Ifedi, Chicago Bears Offensive Tackle
Like Tashaun Gipson, former first-round pick Germain Ifedi was brought in on a one-year prove-it deal with the Chicago Bears in an attempt to showcase that he still is talented. Ifedi was brought in to start at right guard but eventually moved to right tackle with injuries to Jason Spriggs and Bobby Massie.
Ifedi was a highly-touted first-round pick for the Seattle Seahawks who was expected to be a right guard at the NFL level. He showcased his ability in the run game but struggled in shutting down fast pass rushers giving up a lot of sacks. He eventually got his fifth-year option declined and signed with the Bears in 2020.
Offensive line coach Juan Castillo really pulled for him and said he wanted him badly. Ifedi also added that he was a big part as to why Ifedi came to Chicago and took a huge pay cut. Ifedi evidently proved enough in 2020 to earn himself another one-year deal with the Bears. Castillo then has hyped him up even more as he said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Ifedi made the Pro Bowl this season.
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Ifedi now is expected to be the right tackle for the Bears and rookie Teven Jenkins is expected to be the left tackle tasked with protecting Justin Fields for the future. Ifedi now has a full offseason to work with Juan Castillo and hopefully become the lineman that Castillo expects of him. If that works out, he will earn himself a nice extension.