Bears' Eddie Jackson becomes highest-paid safety in NFL after four-year extension worth $58.4 million
Eddie Jackson and the rest of the Chicago Bears defense didn't enjoy as prolific a season in 2019 as they did the previous year. Regardless, Jackson, a third-year safety, has established himself as one of the better secondary players in the league, and now he will be compensated like one.
The Bears and Jackson agreed to a four-year, $58.4 million extension Friday, including $33 million guaranteed, according to the agency that represents him. The deal makes him the highest-paid safety in the NFL based on yearly average.
Jackson had one more year remaining on his rookie deal, and his base salary for 2020 was set at $735,000, per Spotrac.
Jackson, an Alabama product, has started every game since entering the league in 2017 after the Bears selected him in the fourth round. He and the Bears defense shined in 2018, as Jackson hauled in six interceptions and the unit helped lead the team to a NFC North title.
Selected to his second consecutive Pro Bowl this year, Jackson has a total of 10 picks, 26 pass breakups and 184 tackles over his career.