Willie Young earned his extension from Bears
Willie Young is not going anywhere.
The Chicago Bears outside linebacker was entering the final year of his contract heading into 2016, but now he’s going to stay in town at least through 2018.
According to a report by Adam Caplan at ESPN, Chicago has signed Willie Young to a two-year extension:
#Bears OLB Willie Young has agreed to a 2-year contract extension through 2018, source said. He was on the final year of his contract.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) July 30, 2016
The team later confirmed the transaction via their own official Twitter account:
Willie Young has signed a 2-year extension making him a Bear through 2018!
Mood: ???????????????????? pic.twitter.com/EpbhI1RXxT
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) July 30, 2016
This marks the first extension during the tenure of general manager Ryan Pace. It came somewhat as a surprise given all the trade rumors we heard about Young last fall. However, Young simply played well enough to earn a longer investment and he has proven to be Chicago’s most effective pass rusher the last couple of years.
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Since coming over from Detroit in 2014, Willie Young has played in 30 games and tallied 16.5 sacks. For a visual example of his unique skill set, here’s a look at one of Young’s best pass rush moves from last season.
The #Bears get better by securing this man's future in Chicago. @YoungWill79 brings length, tech, power every play~https://t.co/PbXFCKoAD6
— Draft Dr. Phil (@FulphilO) July 30, 2016
Very few players have been able to physically dominate Joe Staley like that.
Ryan Pace just got done speaking with reporters from day two of Chicago Bears training camp in Bourbonnais. He took the opportunity to gush over Young’s attitude and work ethic:
#Bears GM Ryan Pace on OLB Willie Young: "It feels good to reward somebody who has worked as hard as he's worked."
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) July 30, 2016
We also got a couple of updates on Chicago’s other outside linebackers today. Pace said that Pernell McPhee is with the team behind the scenes rehabbing his knee. Also, rookie Leonard Floyd was on the field again after being carted off due to sickness yesterday. He split first team reps with Young, who by all accounts looks particularly dominant.
More from Bourbonnais as it comes…
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