The Bears made Kyle Long’s extension official Wednesday, announcing a four-year deal that will expire at the end of the 2021 season.
The NFL Network reported Saturday that Long will get $30 million guaranteed and $40 million overall.
“Kyle is extremely talented, a great teammate and more than deserving of this contract,” GM Ryan Pace said in a statement. “He is a big piece of the foundation we are building and we only expect him to continue to get better. We are excited to announce this long-term commitment to Kyle.”
Pace didn’t refute reports of a deal when he spoke Monday, and Long coyly dried to deflect questions. His brother, Chris, had already begun teasing him about his future windfall.
“Man, I heard some reports, too, but I don’t know anything,” Long said with a smile Monday. “I’m just trying to get ready for Houston. That’s up to Ryan and my agent. Who knows?”
Earlier this season, the Bears exercised their option for his fifth season, a luxury given a team that selects a player in the first round. The No. 20 overall pick in 2013, Long has reached the Pro Bowl in each of his three seasons with the Bears — the first two at right guard and last year at right tackle.
Long returned to guard this season, and began practicing Monday after missing more than two weeks with a shoulder injury suffered against the Patriots.
