The Chicago Bears started the offseason with a trade for Ryan Bates. The team only gave up a fifth-round pick, but they have had eyes on Bates for years, so it is clear he is a part of the plan. With every player coming in, the players already on the roster are impacted. With the addition of Ryan Bates, which Bears are affected the most?
3. The Chicago Bears will not offer Teven Jenkins an extension this offseason
The Chicago Bears were going to have to make a tough decision on Teven Jenkins this offseason. Jenkins is entering his fourth season, so the former second-round pick will be a free agent after this year. Chicago has to decide to offer him an extension this year, or risk being in the Jaylon Johnson scenario again where you are up against a deadline with the chance of losing him in free agency.
For the Chicago Bears, the plan seems obvious. They cannot extend Jenkins. While Jenkins has shown to be a better-than-average center when he starts, he does not start enough. Jenkins played just two games as a rookie before making 11 starts in each of the last two years.
Jenkins has had neck, back, concussion, and calf injuries. More than that, Ryan Poles did not draft Jenkins and moved him from tackle to guard, and right to left. He has not settled on a spot and has not shown to be bought into the player.
Ryan Bates will likely serve as the backup to Teven Jenkins, but he may start five or six games in place of Jenkins. Bates is signed next year while Jenkins is not. If Bates is better or the difference is minor, it will tell Chicago all that they need to hear.