Bears DT Henry Melton Open To A Contract Extension

Chicago Bears DT Henry Melton is really an amazing player to say the least. He currently leads the Bears in sacks and quarterback pressures, despite playing on their defensive line, he’s currently in the final year of his rookie contract, but appears to be open to signing an extension during the season.

“Everybody knows that we’ve got a good situation here, and I love the city, and I love the fan base,†Melton said, via Sean Jensen the Chicago Sun-Times. “I’d like to stay here for a long time.â€

Chicago currently has $4.2 million in cap space, which means that they would most likely have to ensure that Melton’s new deal wouldn’t count anymore than $3 million against the cap. This would obviously be a challenge since defensive tackles are typically paid a good sum of money per season.

Jensen adds that the Bears could always use their franchise tag on him at the end of the season if a new deal isn’t reached before then, we have Melton listed as the No. 21 best available free agent in our Top 50 Free Agents list.

Source: NFL Trade Rumors

 

melton told the chicago tribune this week that “ … there is not another better D-tackle in the league than myself”

melton doesn't get enough credit for his play and will probably get paid huge money somewhere but this is a dumb comment. Geno Atkins is the most dominant DT in the game right now and it's not even close. i would put melton in the discussion for the next tier but Atkins is clearly tops right now.

 

Melton has come on a lot and is starting to be a stand out on the D ..

 

Melton is worth bringing back, he has developed well. Too bad he is injured lately.

 

yep, he is definitely one of the better DT's in the business and is worth bringing back.......... he's just no Geno Atkins

 

Is Melton a product of the scheme? And what schemes will he/won't he work in no matter the money?

 

i think he benefits from the double teams that julius constantly faces. however, melton is pretty good in his own right. he can play DE or DT in a 4-3 and can play DE in a 3-4. He is pretty versatile.

he is good at eating blockers, fighting off the block, and is a good tackler against the run. and, even against the pass, melton is able to create pressure.

he's a very well-rounded, every-down player, has been improving every year and he's still very young.

Part of what he's doing right now is positioning himself for a new contract since he's becoming a free agent after the season. But, I wouldn't be surprised if someone gives him a 5 year/$40 mill-type contract.