Teven Jenkins and the Chicago Bears are in a holding pattern when it comes to working out a contract extension.
The latest on the Bears and their starting left guard comes from Bear Report’s Zack Pearson, who relays this message from Halas Hall as training camp ahead of the 2024 NFL season continues:
I find it curious that the Bears set the bye as a date to revisit extension talks. That seems oddly specific, doesn’t it?
For what it’s worth, at least we have a timetable for which we can expect our next Teven Jenkins extension update. The Bears arenโt on the bye until Week 7, which lands between the teamโs Week 6 trip to London to face the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 13 and the teamโs return stateside in Week 8 to play the Washington Commanders in our nationโs capital. I imagine if Jenkins is kicking butt and taking names in the first six games of the season, then we might get another notable update from Jenkins (or the team). And it might be a productive update if Jenkins can establish that the injury bug-a-boo is a thing of the past.
Teven Jenkins and the Bears are playing the waiting game when it comes to ironing out a contract extension
Back in June, Jenkins told reporters that his representation reached out to the Bears with an eye on a new deal. However, the Bears rebuffed that attempt to get a summertime extension done and that there was nothing on the table. One month later, not only does Teven Jenkins still have nothing cooking in terms of an extension, but the team has shelved conversations until after the bye week. Sheesh. It sure seems like the Bears are driving hard at the bargaining table. But perhaps the reality is that the team is simply sending a message to Teven that greener pastures await if he can stay healthy.
There is a part of me that understands why the Bears would wait it out with Teven Jenkins. After all, the injury bug has been nibbling at Jenkins since his arrival.
Remember, Jenkins had back surgery before his rookie season could even begin in 2021. In 2022, he missed time due to a concussion and spent time on injured reserve. And in 2023, Jenkins began the year on injured reserve because of a leg injury. To be fair, Teven Jenkins has played well in each of these seasons. But the injury history is a concern. Don’t get me wrong. Jenkins is a quality offensive lineman. He has the desirable size, skills, and attitude that you’d want out of an offensive lineman. And it is easy to dream about how good he can be moving forward. Unfortunately, the injuries are a hangup.
However, let me say this on Teven Jenkins’ behalf: Getting knocked down by injuries this many times and still getting back up to play at a high level is impressive. You’ve gotta have some real gumption and perseverance to last in this game. And I think Jenkins has both in spades. I’m not sure how long a player can keep bouncing off the mat like this and still play at a high level, but Jenkins keeps doing it. In a way, it reminds me of Kyle Long’s career arc. I hope Teven finds a run of healthy seasons โ starting with this year.
MORE: I Have a Good Feeling About Teven Jenkins
Maybe it is smart for the Bears to make Jenkins prove he can stay healthy and play at a high level before handing out an extension offer. But on the other hand, Jenkins could conceivably play his way into a bigger contract with each passing week if he stays healthy enough to be on the field. Remember, the injury concerns were a perceived hangup before Jaylon Johnson signed an extension in March. I’d be down for lightning to strike twice at Halas Hall.