The Chicago Bears followed up what might be the biggest trade in franchise history by handing out the largest contract ever given to a defensive player in NFL history.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the Bears and Khalil Mack have come to terms on a six-year, $141 million extension. The deal includes $90 million guaranteed and $60 million when Mack puts his John Hancock on the dotted line. Mack’s new deal makes him the highest-paid defensive player in league history, surpassing the deal signed by Aaron Donald on Friday that will keep him with the Los Angeles Rams for the foreseeable future.
It’s OK if you feel the need to stop, catch a deep breath, and possibly pinch yourself. Khalil Mack is the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player … and he plays for the Bears. That’s right. The Bears handed out the richest contract ever given to a defensive player. Let that sink in for a moment because this is monumental news.
It’s the dawn of a new day for the Bears, who have never been viewed as the type of franchise to dish out major paper for impact players or dive into the deep end of the talent pool. But GM Ryan Pace broke the mold by maneuvering to create a trade with the Oakland Raiders to acquire Mack, then using the team’s available cap space in order to secure the talented pass-rusher for a long time. In short, this is a HUGE move that reverberates from the team and throughout the organization.
Is it time for Sunday Night Football yet?