This week, for the Bears, it’s been all about their defense. GM Ryan Poles is making sure to lock in all the key pieces before the draft rolls around. He’s been busy on both sides of the ball, shoring up the offense and keeping the defense intact for the long haul. First, the team signed Kyler Gordon to an extension on Sunday. And now another defensive player has secured his future in Chicago. With key extensions in play, the Bears are looking to make their mark next season. So, who’s the latest one to pocket a check?

After Kyler Gordon, it’s TJ Edwards‘ payday. As reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Bears are locking in Edwards on a two-year deal worth $20 M. The former Philly player had signed a $19.50 million three-year deal with Chicago, his hometown team, in 2023 after coming off a Super Bowl LVII loss. TJ had one year left on his three-year deal with Chicago. Out of the $20 million, the LB’s new deal guarantees $16.6M fully. Since joining Chicago, Edwards has been an absolute tackle machine –290 stops and 6.5 sacks in just 34 games.

After the 2022 Super Bowl loss, Edwards had a feeling that Philly might not sign him back. The LB’s two-year rookie extension had expired, and he had entered free agency. But luckily, TJ got a chance to get on the Bears’ roster. “When I heard there was potential to come back to Chicago, and I knew the Philly door was closed. I was like, ‘I’ve got to see what this is about, this is what you grow up thinking about,'” he shared in an interview in 2023. “Once it was a done deal, and I got my bearings together that I was coming here, I was pumped, man.“

That move turned out to be a win for both sides, with Edwards quickly becoming a key piece of Chicago’s defense. Safe to say, the Chicago Bears pretty much took care of its defensive cornerstones by locking in both Edwards and Gordon.

Bears make Kyler Gordon the highest-paid slot CB

When GM Ryan Poles was asked about Gordon at the league meetings, he pretty much assured that the team was going to get a deal done with him. “We’ve been able to have those conversations. I know Kyler is a guy that we want to be a part of this moving forward.” The newly hired DC, Dennis Allen, saw the cornerback going into the 2025 season. “Kyler Gordon is an outstanding nickel player. I have a vision for how we can utilize him.”

Amid the dull defensive spots, the 25-year-old was a bright spot. In the 2024 season, Kyler Gordon played in 15 games, finishing with 48 solo tackles and a total of 75 tackles. The CB also had five pass breakups and one forced fumble. So, he had to stay. The Bears signed a three-year, $40 million extension with Gordon, making him the highest-paid slot CB, surpassing the Colts’ Kenny Moore’s $30 million contract. Reacting to the deal, Kyler said, “I wouldn’t necessarily say it was a goal of mine. At the end of the day, I just want to be the best at my position, period. I guess I didn’t have a number or a price on myself.”

After signing his deal, the Washington alum also shared his appreciation for the Bears, saying, “I think Chicago and the organization showed how much they valued me, what they wanted to do with me here, and that they wanted to keep me here.” With Gordon and Edwards now locked in, it’ll be worth watching how the defense comes together under Ben Johnson’s leadership.