Kyler Gordon Becomes Top-Paid Slot Corner in NFL

Kyler Gordon is now the highest-paid slot corner in the NFL.

Revealed Sunday by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the 25-year-old has agreed to a three-year/$40 million extension with the Chicago Bears — $31.25 million is guaranteed. Drafted in 2022, Gordon was a highly valued member of Chicago’s defense, and the front office didn’t shy away from its desire to keep Gordon with the franchise.

Speaking at the NFL’s annual meetings two weeks ago, general manager Ryan Poles spoke of Gordon’s importance to the team.

“In our exit meetings at the end of last season, I told all the guys in terms of future, if it was contracts, coming back, anything like that, the important thing is I’ve got to get with our new coaching staff and kind of see how the different players fit based on the scheme,” Poles said. “We’ve been able to have those conversations, and I know Kyler is a guy that we want to be a part of this moving forward. So the timing of that, I’m not sure how that all is going work out, but that is a priority.”

Now signed through 2028, Gordon totaled 75 tackles, five pass breakups and one forced fumble in 2024. In total, Gordon has tallied five interceptions and has finished top-six in tackles for the Bears in each of his three seasons. Shortly after new head coach Ben Johnson hired former Saints head coach Dennis Allen to be Chicago’s defensive coordinator, Allen spoke highly of Gordon.

“Kyler Gordon, I think, is an outstanding nickel player,” Allen said. “I have a vision for how we can utilize him. I think the foundation for what we want to do is there, and then I’m just excited about finally getting these guys in here and us having the opportunity to work with him and see exactly what we have.”

Last month, Gordon expressed his feelings towards the team and Chicago itself:

“I mean, I love Chicago,” Gordon said. “I love everything about it — the people, the history, the team, the community — so if this is where God tells me to be, this is where I will be, this is where I want to be.”

Gordon’s extension is just the latest key move for the Bears this offseason. In hopes of competing within a loaded NFC North, the Bears have added center Drew Dalman, guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, DT Grady Jarrett, DE Dayo Odeyingbo, and WR Olamide Zaccheaus. The Bears have an opportunity to add an impact player in next week’s draft, as well, as they hold the No. 10 pick.