When the Chicago Bears drafted Kiran Amegadjie in the third round, many fans saw it as a signal that Braxton Jones' days as a starter were numbered. With Jones having two years left on his rookie contract, the expectation was that Amegadjie would be ready to take over by the time Jones hit free agency. However, the NFL is unpredictable, and plans often change. Could Jones still earn an extension after this season?
The answer is yes, and it's more realistic than some fans might think. Despite being a former fifth-round pick, Jones started every game and played every snap as a rookie—a significant achievement. Although he struggled initially and dealt with a neck injury, he rebounded and performed well as the team played its best football late in the season. Fans may not yet see him as a franchise-caliber player, but they should consider what he has overcome.
Assuming Jones stays healthy this year and benefits from the experience he's gained, it's reasonable to expect his best season yet in year three. A contract extension for Jones isn't out of the question. He may recognize the writing on the wall but also see the potential benefits of negotiating a mutually favorable contract before an uncertain year three. Conversely, if he excels, he might choose to bet on himself in year four.
Additionally, while Amegadjie has potential, the draft is notoriously unpredictable, and many players fail to meet expectations. There is a scenario where Jones outperforms in year three, given his journey and progress. If Amegadjie struggles with the transition to the NFL, the Bears might opt to extend Jones. This outcome is more likely than some might believe.
