Report: Bears' Ryan Poles Expected to Get New Contract to Align with HC Ben Johnson

The Chicago Bears are expected to hand general manager Ryan Poles a contract extension that coincides with new head coach Ben Johnson's deal, according to ESPN's Courtney Cronin.

"According to a team source with knowledge of the situation, Poles' deal runs through the 2026 season, and the expectation is he will receive an extension to align him with Johnson, who signed a five-year contract with Chicago, a term that is common for first-time head coaches," Cronin reported Monday.

Poles has served as the Bears' general manager since the 2022 season.

Cronin noted that Johnson, the former offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions who was hired on Jan. 20, is "believed" to be making $13 million per year on the contract he signed with Chicago.

Johnson is coming off a successful 2024 season with the Lions, as their scoring average of 33.2 points each week paced the NFL. They also ranked No. 2 in the league by recording 409.5 yards per game.

There's hope that he can help turn around a Bears team that has struggled throughout Poles' tenure, owning a 15-36 record since he was hired.

Chicago opened its 2024 campaign at 4-2, but immediately followed it up with a 10-game losing streak before ending the year with a 5-12 record. Despite the poor finish, the Bears still boast a collection of intriguing young offensive talent including quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Rome Odunze.

While Chicago is still searching for its first playoff appearance since 2020, Poles seems to be in line for a contract extension that ties him to Johnson entering the 2025 season.