Bears OLBย Willie Young confirmed to reporters on Wednesday that there’sย at least some level of mutual interest in a contract extension that would keep him in Chicago long term, per Rich Campbell.
Young took it a step further and said he would like to finish out his career with the Bears.
“I would like to finish my career up here in Chicago,” Young said, per Zach Zaidman.
Young also indicated that he’s okay with playing in a 3-4 defense, despite previously preferringย to return to playing defensive end in a 4-3 defense. According to Young, he’sย determined to be better in coverage this season.
Jason Cole of B/Rย previously reported thatย contract talks between the Bears and Youngย were stillย “ongoing, but nothing imminent.”ย According to Cole, it still sounds like it’s a “50-50” whether an extension eventually gets done.
The two sides have beenย discussing aย two-year contract extension, so it appears as though there’s a chance something could be in place before the start of the season.
Young reportedly requested a trade last year and has been a popular name in trade rumors since then.
Young, 30, is currently in the final year of his three-year, $9 million contractย that includedย $3.95 million guaranteed. He stands to make a base salary of $2.45 million for the 2016 season.
In 2015, Young appeared in 15 games for the Bears and recorded 30 tackles, 6.5 sacks, an interception and two pass defenses.ย Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 24 edge rusher out of 110 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding a potential contract extension for Young as the news is available.
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