Bears Rumors: Tarik Cohen Contract Discussed Ahead of Deadline

The Chicago Bears and running back Tarik Cohen reportedly have momentum on a potential contract extension.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported the two sides are motivated to get the deal done by 3:59 p.m. ET Saturday so it's official before the team's Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants. Getting the deal signed by the deadline would avoid any potential injury-related snags.

Cohen is making $2.1 million in the final year of his rookie contract. He's been among the sport's best pass-catching backs since entering the league, racking up 205 receptions for 1,540 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with 1,068 yards and five scores on the ground.

"Going into a contract year, I already know [there's] only one thing that matters, and it's how I play on the field this season," Cohen told reporters in August. "It's on me to perform well this year. I've got to ball out this year."

It seems likely the Bears will target a deal similar in structure to the four-year, $24 million contract signed by Austin Ekeler this offseason with the Los Angeles Chargers. While Ekeler is more of an every-down back than Cohen, the price of running backs has gone up in recent months. Alvin Kamara and Joe Mixon all signed big-money deals ahead of Week 1, while Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry got big extensions earlier in the offseason.

After years of eschewing longer deals for backs, teams have looked to fortify the position with players they trust.

The more interesting storyline here may be what Cohen's extension means for Allen Robinson, who has expressed frustration at not having a long-term deal in place. If the Bears commit to a different skill-position player before Robinson, their best offensive weapon may become even more disgruntled.