The Chicago Bears are going to have to make a big decision on Teven Jenkins this offseason. He just finished his third season in the NFL, so after next year, he will be a free agent. Most teams will want to get ahead of their top young player so that they do not risk something happening in the fourth season, causing his price tag to rise or increasing the chance that they lose him. With that in mind, will the Bears give Jenkins an extension offer?
Could Chicago Bears offer Teven Jenkins an extension this offseason?
The odds are unlikely. Jenkins not only has a long injury history, he still seems to be questioned by this front office as well.
Jenkins was drafted by Ryan Pace and missed most of his rookie year due to back surgery. Jenkins moved from left tackle to right tackle to right guard in his first offseason under Ryan Poles before a hip and neck injury caused him to miss time.
With multiple positions and injuries, the Bears moved the third-year player to left guard. He missed the start of the year with a calf injury and later missed time with a concussion. When he was active, the team had to like what he was bringing, and that is why this is even a discussion.
Still, since Poles has been here, he has missed time with four separate injuries and has been playing three separate positions. This is not the type of player you extend in the offseason before he is due a contract. Any offer would be below what Jenkins expects, and we do not know if Jenkins even wants to play for the team after so many changes. The Chicago Bears will need to see Jenkins stay healthy and stay at left guard all year before they attempt to sign him next year if they attempt to sign him next year.