In the wake of Bears general manager Ryan Poles receiving an extension that aligns him with the new head coach Ben Johnson until 2029, Bears fans are all wondering if it was the right move or does he even deserves one.
Despite his shortcomings, Poles has done some great work in raising the Chicago Bears from the aging roster that was in salary cap hell when he took over in 2022. One of the smartest moves he made was locking down wide receiver DJ Moore and cornerback Jaylon Johnson to long-term deals before the market for both positions exploded soon after.
Last July, the Bears signed Moore to a 4-year, $110 million extension, including $82.6 million guaranteed. Moore, who posted 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season with Chicago back in 2023, has proven to be a top-tier weapon and a stabilizing force in the locker room. Even after a subpar 2024 season, Moore's contract seems like a tremendous bargain compared to other top wide receivers, who signed their extension after him.
• Amon-Ra St. Brown: Signed a 4-year, $120.01 million contract extension
• Jaylen Waddle: Signed a 3-year, $84.75 million contract extension
• A.J. Brown: Signed a 3-year, $92 million contract extension
• Jaylen Waddle: Signed a 3-year, $84.75 million contract extension
• CeeDee Lamb: Signed a 4-year, $136 million contract extension
• JaMarr Chase: Signed a 4-year, $161 million contract extension
• Garrett Wilson: Signed a 4-year, $130 million contract extension
Meanwhile, Johnson signed a 4-year, $76 million extension last March, including $54 million guaranteed after receiving a franchise tag. After Johnson signed his extension, the cornerback market exploded, and his contract looks like a massive bargain compared to other top cornerbacks.
• Jaycee Horn: Signed a 4-year, $110 million contract extension
• A.J. Terrell: Signed a 4-year, $81 million contract extension
• Patrick Surtain: Signed a 4-year, $96 million contract extension • Derek Stingley: Signed a 3-year, $90 million contract extension
• Sauce Gardner: Signed a 4-year, $120.4 million contract extension
The timing of Moore and Johnson's deal made by Poles was impeccable
These deals underscore the inflation in positional markets and highlight the value of Poles’ foresight. This comes after the New York Jets extended both wide receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner on consecutive days this week. They are two elite talents, but their price tags will eat up a lot of the cap space.
Perhaps Poles learned his lessons after a contract dispute with linebacker Roquan Smith forced him to trade Smith to Baltimore near the trade deadline back in 2022. By anticipating market trends and acting decisively before salaries for both positions exploded, Poles has built a competitive roster without overpaying.
Read more: From Liability to Strength: The Bears' offensive line gets high ranking from PFF
As Poles quietly builds a contender, with smart contracts and a clear vision, there is a possibility that either Moore or Johnson could hold out and demand a new contract now that they are underpaid next year at this time. That would be his next challenge. But for now, you have to give the Poles credit where credit is due, even if you don't like him.