The Chicago Bears have officially extended the contract of general manager Ryan Poles, securing his leadership through the 2029 season, as confirmed by CBS Sports NFL insider Jonathan Jones. Poles, who is 39 years old, joined the Bears in January 2022 and has been influential in reshaping the team, albeit with inconsistent outcomes.
One of Poles’ most notable actions came in March 2023, when he traded away the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers. In return, he received valuable assets: the 9th and 61st overall picks, a first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025, and wide receiver D.J. Moore. These selections have set the stage for future talent acquisition, including the anticipated arrival of quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze, both of whom were first-round picks in 2024.
The offseason has been particularly dynamic for the Bears, marked by the hiring of former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. With Johnson in place, Chicago has strengthened its roster through aggressive free agency, adding six expected starters, particularly enhancing the offensive line with three crucial signings.
Despite a challenging record of 15-36 since Poles’ tenure began, Bears management expresses strong confidence in his ability to lead the team back to the playoffs for the first time since 2020. The Bears are also aiming to break a long-standing playoff win drought, which has persisted since the 2010 playoffs, and to end their Super Bowl absence since 2006. With renewed optimism fueled by strategic moves and new coaching talent, the Bears look to reclaim their former glory on the gridiron.