Chicago Bears' starting offensive lineman Teven Jenkins made headlines earlier this offseason when he made it clear that he was ready to discuss a contract extension with the Bears but the team had yet to engage in negotiations.
Jenkins is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Bears, and given his earlier comments, it seemed that the team may be willing to move on from their starting right guard next offseason.
While speaking with reporters after practice on Monday, Jenkins provided clarity on his contract talks with the Bears.
In June, Bears guard Teven Jenkins said that his agents reached out to the team regarding a contract extension but hadn't heard anything. Today, Jenkins said his side was told they'd have to wait until after the Bears bye week (in Oct.) to have those talks.
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) July 22, 2024
Rather than engage Jenkins in contract extension talks, the Bears seem to be giving an ultimatum--remain healthy, and we will talk about a new deal. While Jenkins, when healthy, has made a case for being the best offensive lineman the Bears had prior to the arrival of Darnell Wright, the issue has always been his availability. Jenkins has yet to play in a full season throughout the first three seasons of his career. 2021 marked the most games that Jenkins played in during the season as he started 11 of his 13 games played.
Last season, Jenkins started 11 of the 12 games he played in.
Teven Jenkins provides a timeline for his next Chicago Bears' contract.
The Bears are taking the right approach with Jenkins. Given his struggles with staying healthy, there wouldn't be a reason for the team to jump out and sign the veteran guard to a new deal. Even if Jenkins remains healthy past the first month of the season, a contract extension in-season shouldn't be the priority.
It's also worth mentioning that Ryan Bates is under contract for the 2025 season. It's possible that rather than pay Jenkins, the Bears may ultimately to decide to shift Bates from center to right guard after this season. The thinking being for the Bears that it may be more resourceful to draft a center next offseason using the money saved from not paying Jenkins elsewhere.