Key Takeaways:
– Chicago Bears left tackle, Braxton Jones, may anticipate a $20M annual extension toward 2025 for his noteworthy performance.
– Jones, a 2022 fifth-round pick, is heading into his third season with the Bears, earning All-Rookie recognition in his rookie year.
– Many players from the Bears 2022 draft, including strong safety Jaquan Brisker, could be potential extension candidates.
– Ryan Poles, the Bears’ General Manager, belives Kiran Amegadjie could improve their offensive room environment.
An Ascent Worth Million Dollars
The Chicago Bears are racing towards the forthcoming 2024 season, with Caleb Williams, as their newly minted franchise quarterback and left tackle, Braxton Jones, who could land himself a massive paycheck if he continues to protect him next season.
Emerging from a 5th round pick in 2022, Jones has surpassed expectations in his first two years, thereby cementing his place as a potent player worthy of recognition. In his rookie year, Jones played all 17 games as the Bears’ blindside blocker, securing an All-Rookie honor, and impressively improved as a blocker in 2023.
Jones’s Stellar Journey Thus Far
However, Jones still has room to scale. The 2024 season could be a proving ground for Jones to demonstrate that he’s the long-term answer at left tackle for the Bears. Interestingly, the Bears exhibited their trust in Jones during the 2024 NFL draft by preferring Rome Odunze, a wide receiver, over top offensive tackles.
Jones’s continued improvement and growth can potentially lead him to a lucrative contract extension in 2025, with projected earnings over $20 million annually. This could either be from the Bears or another team, depending on how he performs, holds his position, and protects Williams throughout the season.
The Recent Draft and Jones’s Future
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell counts Jones as one of the winners of the 2024 NFL draft given the Bears’ choice to forgo drafting potential competition. Likewise, the Bears drafted offensive tackle, Kiran Amegadjie, with the No.75 pick in the third round, thereby addressing the need for depth and improvement in this area. While this might not directly affect Jones, he’ll have to continue to sharpen his game to maintain his starter position.
Other Bears Worth Watching
Jones is not the only player from the 2022 draft who could negotiate a new deal. Strong safety Jaquan Brisker, one of the draft picks, who started as an All-Rookie selection, has showcased impressive defensive playmaking. Brisker, despite struggling initially in 2023, bounced back with more tackles, pass deflections, and forced fumbles than his previous season.
Brisker must overcome some shortcomings and injury concerns to reserve a spot in the 2024 season lineup. In addition, if a thriving chemistry blossoms between him and new free safety recruit, Kevin Byard, the Bears might consider him for a long-term contract.
The Bears are also set to evaluate slot cornerback Kyler Gordon’s performances. If Gordon continues to deliver in 2024, he might emerge as one of the premier slot cornerbacks in the NFL, thereby earning a potentially rewarding new contract from the Bears.
Regardless of the uncertainty surrounding the upcoming season, it’s clear the stakes are high for Jones and his 2022 draft peers. Their performance in the 2024 campaign might determine their future, either within the Chicago Bears or elsewhere in the NFL.