BREAKING: Bears Secure Tarik Cohen To Three-Year Contract Extension
The Chicago Bears pretty much locked up most of their starting defense early in the offseason this year. However, the bulk of their work on offense has remained unfinished. The big fish they’ve yet to reel in is star receiver Allen Robinson. Talks remain ongoing there. Thankfully GM Ryan Pace was able to conclude another piece of business regarding Tarik Cohen.
The running back has been a key part of their offense since his arrival in 2017. A versatile player who is deceptively good as a runner and equally dangerous in the passing game. Not to mention his big-play skill in the punt return game. This was not a player the Bears wanted to get away. So they secured him to a three-year extension worth a maximum of $18.25 million including $9.533 million guaranteed.
It’s a pretty fair deal for both sides and gives the Bears offense a little long-term security with one of its better playmakers.
Chicago is signing RB Tarik Cohen to a three-year extension worth $17.25 million in new money ($5.75M per year) with ability to be worth $18.25M at $6.093M per year, @RosenhausSports tells ESPN. Deal includes $9.533M fully guaranteed and a $12.033M max guarantee.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
After Bears’ RB Tarik Cohen reached agreement on a three-year extension that ties him to Chicago for four years, his agent @RosenhausSports said, “We have an extensive and productive track record of getting deals done with the Bears.” https://t.co/TQK7rP6guA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 20, 2020
Tarik Cohen already off to a promising start
A lot of fans might be skeptical about the idea of paying Cohen. He didn’t exactly have an encouraging 2019 where he averaged 3.3 yards per carry and managed under 500 yards receiving despite over 70 catches. His explosiveness just wasn’t there. Is it really worth the risk? Yes.
There is no doubt Cohen struggled but not all of it was his fault. The Bears offensive line had a lot of issues and so did Mitch Trubisky. Opening day in Detroit offered hope that the running back is every bit as dangerous as he’s been in the past. He managed 41 yards on just seven carries and was open on a number of pass plays.
Odds are he’ll pop off some big plays in the near future if the blocking continues to be effective as it was against the Lions. Paying running backs is usually a questionable move but Cohen is more than just that. He’s a weapon. One worth keeping.