Bears make Eddie Jackson highest-paid safety in NFL history with new deal

Eddie Jackson has quickly become one of the best defensive backs in football since he came out of Alabama back in 2017, and the Chicago Bears are awarding him for that performance in a big way.

Jackson’s agents announced on Friday that the 26-year-old has signed a four-year, $58.4 million extension with the Bears. The $14.6 million average annual value makes Jackson the highest-paid safety in football.

PAID. 4 more years of @BoJack39 in Chicago.

$58.4M, $33M total guarantee. His
$14.6M yearly average makes him the highest paid safety in the @NFL. #BoJack #LegendsLiveHere #BearDown pic.twitter.com/SDqmHLJ7cl

— SportsTrust Advisors (@_SportsTrust) January 3, 2020

Jackson has already made two Pro Bowls in just three NFL seasons. He has 10 interceptions, four forced fumbles and three defensive touchdowns during his career. While he still had a year left on his rookie contract, you can understand the Bears wanting to lock him up with an extension now.

Jackson’s hefty extension is another reminder of why it would be best for the Bears in the short-term if Mitchell Trubisky proved he is capable of being their starting quarterback. Trubisky is still playing under his rookie deal as well, and that allows Chicago to save money at an expensive position and use it elsewhere.