(670 The Score) Shortly after being hired, new Bears head coach Ben Johnson and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen each singled out fourth-year nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon when detailing their belief in this Chicago defense.
Despite Johnson and Allen having never coached the 25-year-old Gordon, he stood out to them on tape. Johnson had often scouted the Bears’ defense in his previous role as Lions offensive coordinator, while Allen quickly got a sense of what he’d be inheriting. Their perspectives matched the conviction held by general manager Ryan Poles, who made Gordon his first-ever draft pick three years ago.
That belief remains strong. On Tuesday, the Bears officially signed Gordon to a three-year contract extension worth up to $40 million, making him the highest-paid slot cornerback in the NFL.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say it was a goal of mine,” Gordon said. “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. I wanted to work hard to be the hardest nickel at my position and the best at it. That’s what I accomplished, and I feel like I still got more out there that I want to show.”
Gordon was selected with the 39th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft with the Bears planning to shift him to the slot cornerback role.
In his three NFL seasons, Gordon has become a mainstay with this defense. He has five interceptions over 42 career games and has proved himself as a stout presence against both the pass and the run.
While Gordon believes he can be even better, the Bears are certainly pleased with what they already have.
“I have even more goals that I have that I want to accomplish – personal and team goals that I want to accomplish when I’m in this league,” Gordon said. “So, until those are done, I feel like it’s never-ending in terms of the bar that I set for myself and how I want to represent this team. It’s definitely very motivating.
“I’m excited to have a new perspective and learn new things from these coaches and improve myself as a player, getting new tools from everybody around me. I feel like it’s a chance to upgrade myself.”
On Tuesday, Gordon admitted that he wasn’t present with the Bears last week as they began their voluntary offseason program under Johnson’s watch. His absence was tied to his ongoing contract negotiations with the team for his new contract.
Gordon was set to enter the final year of his rookie deal. He’s now under contract through 2028.
“We are excited to have Kyler remain a member of the Chicago Bears for years to come,” Poles said in a statement. “Kyler will be a big part of our defense, and we look forward to his continued ascension on our team.”
Gordon returned to Halas Hall early this week to officially sign his contract extension. The Bears will enter the second phase of their offseason program next week, which involves the beginning of light on-field activities.
Even with the ink just barely dry, Gordon is back to work and ready to show how much better he can be.
“I have goals that I want to accomplish,” Gordon said. “I’m very serious about it.
“I think we’re on the right path right now.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.