Chicago Bears: Core players in line for a contract extension

3. C/G Cody Whitehair

While he may not be the hottest name on this list, the Bears have gotten quality play from Cody Whitehair ever since they drafted him. After starting at center in his first three years, he’ll now move back to guard, the position that he played in college.

Keeping Whitehair is essential for the Bears as he’s proven to be a solid anchor on the offensive line and has proven that he can play against the best of the best. Unfortunately, Whitehair is also one player that the Bears could move on from at the expense of other players.

Make no mistake, having quality offensive lineman is a major key when building a successful football team however, with the Bears deciding to move Whitehair back to his natural position, things get a bit complicated.

We know the Bears have James Daniels at center, with Charles Leno Jr. and Bobby Massie occupying left and right tackle respectively. Additionally, with the Bears getting ready to move on from Kyle Long after the 2019 season, they have players like Alex Bars lined up to be potential replacements. For Whitehair, this means that the team is likely going to play him at left guard or could decide to find his replacement via the NFL Draft or free agency.

It’s hard to project what a potential contract for a guy of Whitehair’s caliber will look like. He could end up signing a three or four-year deal which will keep him in a Bears uniform through 2022 or 2023. However, 2019 will be Whitehair’s last season before he hits free agency, so he’s in a contract year.