Eddie Jackson on Inking New Deal So Fast: “I Want to be a Bear For Life”

Eddie Jackson inked a four-year contract extension just days after the regular season ended for the Chicago Bears. It was a considerable surprise. Typically GM Ryan Pace doesn’t get such deals worked out until the following September as was the case with Eddie Goldman and Akiem Hicks among others. There was no such lull regarding negotiations with Jackson. He was given $58.4 million in new money, making him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.

Pace for his part was thrilled to get the star safety locked up. He called the 27-year old the “anchor to the back end of our defense.” This is hard to argue. Jackson has 10 interceptions in three seasons and has scored five defensive touchdowns. Considering he was a 4th round pick in 2017 coming off a broken leg? What he has accomplished makes him easily the best selection of the Pace era and the best safety the Bears have had since Mike Brown.

So what does Jackson himself think about this? While thrilled to get the contract done, he made it clear the swift negotiations were less about the money and more about ensuring his future remained in Chicago.