As the Bears are working on coming to terms with star receiver Allen Robinson on a contract extension, it sounds like Robinson might not be the only player that could soon be signing a new deal.
According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Bears are in talks with running back Tarik Cohen on a contract extension. Cohen, who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, is in the final year of his rookie deal.
From @gmfb Weekend: #Cowboys DE Aldon Smith is providing inspiration for players who have been out of the league a while. And I blew through @CodyWins25's stop sign in my ear to note #Bears RB Tarik Cohen could have himself a contract extension soon. pic.twitter.com/cysc0j76s7
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 19, 2020
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport added that there have been “fruitful discussions about a contract extension,” and there’s a possibility that it could get done today ahead of Sunday’s game vs. Giants. If so, the deal would need to be official by 2:59 p.m. CT.
The #Bears and RB Tarik Cohen have had fruitful discussions about a contract extension, sources say, and there is a push to get it done today in advance of Week 2. The deadline for a signed deal is 3:59 pm today to be official for Sunday & it’s a real possibility. Stay tuned…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 19, 2020
Cohen has been an absolute weapon for the Bears since his rookie season, where he’s used his speed and elusiveness to beat defenders on offense and special teams as a punt returner.
Since joining the Bears, Cohen has totaled 257 carries for 1,068 yards and five touchdowns, along with 205 receptions for 1,540 yards and nine touchdowns.
If the Bears ink Cohen to a new deal, that would be the second player from the 2017 draft class to land an extension, the other being star safety Eddie Jackson, who signed a lucrative four-year, $58.4 million deal earlier this offseason.
As for the highest pick from that 2017 draft class, the jury is still out on former second overall pick quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, whose fifth-year option was declined earlier this offseason.