Bears Extend GM Ryan Poles Through 2029

The Chicago Bears have extended general manager Ryan Poles' contract through the 2029 season, aligning his tenure with newly hired head coach Ben Johnson. The extension follows an offseason widely praised for bold acquisitions, including the addition of Johnson, impactful free agency signings, and a strategic trade with the Carolina Panthers that brought in top draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore. The Bears used the acquired draft capital to select quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, signaling a shift from rebuilding to contending. Despite Poles' 15-36 record since his 2022 hiring, ownership has expressed confidence in his long-term vision for the franchise. The synchronized contracts for both Poles and Johnson are meant to provide organizational stability as expectations rise. Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed.