Bears fans share collective sigh of relief over Lions extension news

It's not who fans think it is.
Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions are working on locking up their top players in long-term contracts, but the Chicago Bears fan base is feeling a little bit better after the latest news.

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported the Lions gave a contract extension to wide receiver Jameson Williams. The deal is a three-year, $83 million extension with $67 million guaranteed.

There had been reports that the Lions and star defensive end Aidan Hutchinson were also in contract extension talks. It has since been reported that a deal was not going to get done before the season. Hutchinson's contract ends after the 2026 season.

Bears fans can be happy that a deal has not been done yet with Lions and Hutchinson

As some might remember, Williams had his way with the Bears' secondary the last time Chicago and Detroit played in December, with his five catches for 143 yards and one touchdown. His stats in the previous four matchups? Seven catches for 72 yards and one touchdown.

The Bears, overall, have done a good job of keeping Williams in check in the past. They are not the player they are worried about playing in Detroit for a long time.

Hutchinson has racked up 20 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one fumble recovery, and one interception in four matchups against the Bears. That's the guy Chicago hopes won't come back to the Lions.

Dealing with a player like Hutchinson inspired Chicago to invest more money in the offensive line, as evidenced by signing three new interior starters and drafting an offensive tackle in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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For now, the Lions only have their top pass rusher for two more years. Bears fans are praying that it will be it and nothing longer, but most would admit that seems very doubtful.