The Chicago Bears have reportedly reached an agreement with General Manager Ryan Poles on a three-year contract extension. The three-year deal aligns his contract with that of new Head Coach Ben Johnson. He signed a five-year deal this offseason to become the next head coach of the team. Poles’ contract was set to expire in 2026 and he was rumored to be in the crosshairs of Johnson’s negotiations with the team. Those rumors can be squashed since Poles is tied to Johnson through 2029.
Poles has had highs and lows during his time as the general manager of the Chicago Bears. He has taken fliers on players like Chase Claypool and Nate Davis that didn’t work out, but he also executed the trade that netted the Bears Caleb Williams, DJ Moore, Darnell Wright and Tyrique Stevenson. While last season was a disappointment for Chicago, they are showing their faith in Poles and commitment to Johnson.
Ryan Poles To Sign Three-Year Extension With Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are set to sign Poles to a three-year extension, aligning his contract with Johnson. Poles, who’s contract was reportedly set to expire after the 2026 season Poles is now on the same timeline as Johnson, who signed a five-year deal that pays him approximately $13 million per year.
ESPN’s beat reporter for the Chicago Bears Courtney Cronin reported the extension Monday, saying, “According to a team source with knowledge of the situation, Poles’ deal runs through the 2026 season, and the expectation is he will receive an extension to align him with Johnson, who signed a five-year contract with Chicago, a term that is common for first-time head coaches.”
The extension comes amidst rumors that Johnson wanted to implement his own personnel director for whatever coaching job he ended up taking. This contract extension for Poles, who has been with the Chicago Bears since 2022, is now effectively ending those rumors. When asked about those rumors surrounding Poles and his intentions with personnel, Johnson said, “I truly believe in the character and integrity of this man… We are going to be locked at the hip and connected every step of the way with all the decisions that are made.”
Roller Coaster Tenure For Poles
Johnson is locking in with a general manager who has had some high variance in his Chicago tenure. Poles oversaw the teardown of the Bears roster in his first two seasons, including a trade with the Carolina Panthers that has supplied them with four of the team’s 2024 starters. Poles was able to turn the draft selection that ended up being Bryce Young into Moore, Wright, Stevenson, and most importantly, Williams.
Poles has also made questionable moves for the Chicago Bears like trading a second-round pick for Claypool, only to turn around and trade him less than a year later for a seventh-rounder. Poles also signed Offensive Lineman Nate Davis to a three-year, $30 million deal that was a disaster from the start.
Poles had to cut Davis in the middle of the season last year. With a new head coach bringing in a clear vision for the franchise, Poles’ job may be easier to navigate now. The Chicago Bears are trying to create stability in their organization, and extending Poles to align with Johnson is the latest example.
Final Thoughts
I love this decision from Kevin Warren and the Chicago Bears leadership. For too long they have dragged their feet when it comes to committing to their guys. It is looking like things are starting to change in a positive direction. After mismanaging the chain of command with Quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Justin Fields, coaches John Fox, Matt Nagy, and Matt Eberflus, and general Managers Ryan Pace and Ryan Poles, the Chicago Bears will finally be aligned with their football operation.
Another reason I like this deal is that it squashes the rumors that Johnson wasn’t enamored with having a pre-existing general manager in charge. Before Johnson was hired, there was speculation that he wanted to reset Chicago’s personnel department with his own person.
Between his comments since signing his deal and now this extension that ties him and Poles together through the 2029 season, it’s looking like those rumors were wrong. This move shows commitment from the Chicago Bears’ brass that should give fans hope for their team this season and moving forward.
