The Bears haven’t always spent big, but things have changed over the years.
The Chicago Bears have had a history of being one of the cheaper franchises over the years. Fans had long loathed the team for failing to pony up and break out the check book when it comes to big name players.
However, in the last ten to fifteen years, Chicago has somewhat altered its stance. Whether they came from within the organization or were acquired in the summer, the Bears have at last begun to shell out a sizable sum of money for the league’s more talented players.
The Bears have made some significant decisions about the contracts of a few of their own players over the 2023 and 2024 offseasons. The most recent of them was the agreement to a new contract with cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
How does Johnson’s new contract compare to other Bears contracts ever? Let’s examine the five most lucrative transactions the Bears have ever made.
1. Khalil Mack
6 years, $141 million ($90 million guaranteed)
Signed September of 2018
2. Jay Cutler
7 years, $126.7 million ($54 million guaranteed)
Signed January of 2014
3. Montez Sweat
4 years, $98 million ($62.8 million guaranteed)
Signed November of 2023
4. Julius Peppers
6 years, $84 million ($42 million guaranteed)
Signed March of 2010
5. Jaylon Johnson
4 years, $76 million ($51.4 million guaranteed)
Signed May of 2024
Which Bears players have made the most money, annually?
It sure is saying something that two of the top five richest contracts in Bears history have been signed within the past year or so, and each have come on the defensive side of the ball. For now, both Johnson and Montez Sweat also make the list of the team’s top-five paid players on an annual basis:
|
Player |
Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
|
1. Montez Sweat |
$24.5 million |
|
2. Khalil Mack |
$23.5 million |
|
3. DJ Moore |
$20 million |
|
4. Jaylon Johnson |
$19 milliion |
|
5. Jay Cutler |
$18.1 million |
For what it’s worth, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds’ deal pays him an average annual salary of $18 million, so he checks in just below Cutler on the above list.
Isn’t it fitting that the number five player on the above list is a quarterback Jay Cutler? Sooner or later, another quarterback is going to bump him off that list — a guy by the name of Caleb Williams, once he is up for an extension.
