The Bears have found a left tackle to lean on for years to come.
Chicago announced Wednesday that it gave Charles Leno Jr. a four-year extension. NFL Network's Mike Garafolo reported the extension is worth $38 million with $21.5 million in guarantees, per a source informed of negotiations.
Slated to become a free agent after this season, Leno would enter September as the league's 14th-highest paid left tackle based on annual average, per the Chicago Tribune.
The deal also locks down Chicago's left side, with both Leno and left guard Kyle Long laced into long-term contracts alongside a quality, young center in Cody Whitehair.
"We were so fortunate to [have him]," Bears general manager Ryan Pace said early in the offseason, per the Tribune. "He's got great athleticism. He's long. I like Leno a lot. I like his makeup. I like his intelligence."
A 2014 seventh-round draft pick, Leno has started 29 straight games at left tackle. That consistency obviously matters for a Bears team hoping to ultimately give quarterback-in-waiting Mitchell Trubisky a sturdy front five to play behind deep into the future.
