Following another massive offseason of roster construction, general manager Ryan Poles has received a tremendous vote of confidence from the Chicago Bears.
Poles and the Bears have agreed to a contract extension through the 2029 season, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Friday afternoon.
Poles and rookie head coach Ben Johnson are now attached at the hip, with both under contract in Chicago through the same year.
The most substantial signing this offseason for Poles, 39, was bringing in Johnson, an offensive maestro from the rival Detroit Lions who was arguably the most sought-after candidate over the past two coaching cycles. The hope is that Johnson will guide quarterback Caleb Williams to fulfilling the otherworldly potential he has and that Chicago will follow with its first winning season since 2018 and/or its initial playoff appearance since 2020.
A former Kansas City Chiefs staff member, Poles was hired ahead of the 2022 season to replace Ryan Pace. Poles has guided the franchise through a complete roster overhaul, one that's included the hiring and firing of head coach Matt Eberflus and produced no winning seasons in three years.
While the vote of confidence in Poles could be questioned as his rosters have produced a 15-36 record and two last-place finishes in the NFC North, it's certainly not for lack of effort.
The first-time GM has been a mover and shaker since he's taken over the reins in Chicago.
He traded away fan favorites Khalil Mack and Roquan Smith. He later traded to acquire pass rusher Montez Sweat.
He swapped the 2023 No. 1 overall pick with the Carolina Panthers in exchange for standout wide receiver DJ Moore and a haul of draft selections. A year later, he held on to the top overall selection and picked Williams. Along with adding Williams, he made a trade to get veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen and worked out a lucrative deal to keep standout cornerback Jaylon Johnson in town.
Many had the 2024 Bears pegged as a team to rise into playoff contention, but the squad had a disastrous 5-12 showing with Eberflus becoming the first head coach in the team's 105 seasons to get fired mid-season.
Seemingly undaunted, Poles was aggressive in free agency and on the trade market with an onus on protecting Williams, who was battered as a rookie with a league-high 68 sacks. He traded for guards Jonah Jackson and Joe Thuney while signing center Drew Dalman.
Now onto the second head coach of his regime, Poles still faces a pivotal 2025 campaign despite the extension. Nonetheless, it's definitely some added security after three years of subpar results.
Poles has proved to be an uber-aggressive GM who won't stop swinging for the fences even if he misses on moves.
While fortunes haven't favored the Bears under his watch just yet, Poles has clearly shown he's steadfast in building a winner in the Windy City.
Bears ownership has clearly realized that and responded with Friday's extension.
