The future starts now with the Chicago Bears as they finally get two of their rookies under contract, which will have massive implications for them in the next four years.
NFL insider Mike Garafolo reported that the Bears have agreed to a rookie contract with first-round pick Dillon Thieneman. Ian Rapoport added second-round pick Logan Jones as well.
Thieneman was a first-team All-American selection at Oregon last year after racking up 92 tackles, five pass deflections, two interceptions, and one sack. Jones was also an All-American last year and won the Rimington Trophy for being the nation's best center.
Dillon Thieneman and Logan Jones are under contract with the Bears
The Bears got their future stars in place on offense and defense, which were the most important signings for them. While they have some work to do on the other rookies, Thieneman and Jones are the guys who needed a contract the most.
Thieneman enters the 2026 season as a favorite to be a Day 1 starter, teaming up with free-agent signing Coby Bryant at safety. The pair is expected to be the duo back there for at least the next three years.
Jones impressed the Bears with his 4.9-second 40-yard dash speed at the NFL Combine, which was the fastest time by a lineman there. He will be competing with Garrett Bradbury for the starting center job, entering the season with the expectation that when Bradbury's contract is up at the end of the year, Jones will jump in as the full-time starter.
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This was an important step for the Bears after two weeks of OTAs and seeing these guys in place. Thieneman and Jones are key foundational pieces to a franchise that has the Super Bowl on the top of their minds soon.
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