Israel Idonije agreed to a two-year contract extension with the Bears on Friday. He is now signed through 2011.
Idonije had this to say about the contract extension:
“It’s exciting, it’s a pleasant surprise to get something done early. When you dream about how the picture would unfold going into the last year of your contract, this is the ideal situation. It’s perfect to get the deal done. I love Chicago, and I wanted to stay and continue to grow and develop here”
“It’s just warming to know that the team wants me here and wants me to be part of the picture moving to the next three seasons. It’s just a great feeling.
Idonije was due to make $1.75 million this year but received an added $2 million via a signing bonus. Each of the next two years, he is scheduled to make $2.5 million. In 2010, $1 million of his $2.5 is guaranteed.
Idonije’s agent Drew Rosenhaus had thus to say about the deal:
“He’ll be effectively doubling what his current contract was, he’s essentially one of the more highly paid backup defensive lineman in the NFL.”
Idonije has appeared in 71 games with eight starts in five seasons with the Bears, registering 99 tackles, 5½ sacks and 10 pass breakups on defense along with 29 tackles and four blocked kicks on special teams.
Idonije is down to 270 pounds from 306 last season and plans to play at 265 for the 2009 season.
all quotes from chicagobears.com
