The Chicago Bears have signed safety Eddie Jackson to a four-year, $58.4 million contract extension, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport notes that the deal contains $22 million in full guarantees.
The pact also makes Jackson the highest-paid safety in the NFL in terms of average yearly salary.
Jackson played in every game this season, registering 60 tackles, a sack, a couple of interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and five passes defended en route to a Pro Bowl appearance.
The 27-year-old, who played his collegiate football at the University of Alabama, was originally selected by the Bears in the fourth round (112th pick overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft.
He appeared in all 16 contests during his rookie campaign, finishing with 73 tackles, a pair of picks, a forced fumble, three fumble recoveries, six passes defended and a defensive touchdown.
Then, in 2018, Jackson broke out, participating in 14 games and racking up 51 tackles, a sack, six interceptions, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, 15 passes defended and two defensive scores, resulting in a Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro honors.
Widely considered one of the best safeties in football, Jackson's new deal does not come as much of a surprise, especially for a Chicago franchise that prides itself on great defenses.
Of course, the Bears as a whole were very disappointing in 2019.
After a 2018 campaign in which Chicago won 12 games and captured the NFC North division title, many had Matt Nagy's club pegged as a Super Bowl contender going into this season. Still, the Bears ended up going 8-8 and missing the playoffs.
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