Bears Extend GM Ryan Poles’ Contract Through 2029

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Chicago Bears have signed general manager Ryan Poles to a contract extension, keeping him with the team through the 2029 season. The new deal, finalized on Friday, adds three years to Poles’ existing contract, which had two years remaining.

This extension aligns Poles’ tenure with that of new head coach Ben Johnson, who also signed a five-year deal. Poles, who took on the role in 2022, has faced challenges, with the team recording a 15-36 record during his first three seasons.

Poles made recruiting a young quarterback, Caleb Williams, a priority after trading the top draft pick in 2023. This trade secured the No. 1 overall pick in 2024 as part of a deal with the Carolina Panthers. Along with Williams, the Bears gained key players including wide receiver DJ Moore and offensive tackle Darnell Wright.

In anticipation of higher expectations this season, Poles has fortified the offensive line by adding players like Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson. These moves aim to improve upon the Bears’ NFL-high 68 sacks allowed last year.

Additionally, the signing of defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has drawn mixed reviews. While some praised the effort to strengthen the defensive line, others criticized the financial terms of Jarrett’s three-year contract, which averages $14.25 million per year.

Analyst ESPN’s insights suggested that the Bears’ offseason has mostly been well-received, particularly praising the Phoenix, Arizona native Johnson for his ability to upgrade the team’s offensive schematics. Yet, concerns persist regarding the overall impact of these changes.

As Poles embarks on his fourth year with the Bears, the hope remains that the blend of young talent and strategic acquisitions will lead the team back to the playoffs for the first time in four seasons.