The Bears added star power to their offensive front earlier this week. They didn’t forget about the depth required to make a team operate well.

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Core special teams players Josh Blackwell and Amen Ogbongbemiga received two-year contracts keeping them in Chicago through the 2026 season.

The Bears announced Blackwell’s two-year contract extension early Thursday afternoon. Ogbongbemiga’s deal became official later in the day.

The Chicago Tribune’s Dan Wiederer was first to report the news on both players

Further contract details eventually emerged, with NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reporting that Ogbongbemiga got $5 million over two seasons. The 33^rd Team’s Ari Meirov reported that Blackwell received $6 million for the same duration of service. Blackwell was set to become a restricted free agent but the sides worked out a multiyear deal.

This is key for special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, who retains two of his best in the kicking game.

We all remember Blackwell’s punt return for a touchdown in Week 18 against Green Bay, where DJ Moore faked like he caught the punt, only to have Blackwell catch it on the opposite sideline and then take off for a score.

He could well be the team’s primary return man in 2025, on kickoffs and punts.

Ogbongbemiga had 15 defensive snaps as a linebacker but played 366 on special teams as a key coverage player, with 13 total tackles in his first season with the Bears. He spent three previous seasons with the Chargers.

Expect more Bears transactions in the coming days, as they prepare to enter the new league year with several housekeeping items crossed off. They’d like to enter free agency with a clear picture of their position with the salary cap, to best navigate quickly when acquiring top players.