Just a few months ago, Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson asked to be traded from Chicago because he couldn’t reach a contract extension agreement with the team. The Bears allowed him to explore other options before the trade deadline in October, but nothing materialized, and Johnson went on to have an outstanding season. While there’s a mutual desire to finalize a deal, the two sides haven’t reached an agreement yet. After the season, GM Ryan Poles mentioned in a press conference that Jaylon Johnson “isn’t going anywhere”, possibly indicating an contract extension getting done soon. However, it’s been weeks since those comments, and recently, Johnson spoke with NFL Network about his hopes for a new contract.
“Heart’s definitely in Chicago, mind’s definitely on the money,”
Jaylon Johnson wants to get paid
According to PFF, Jaylon Johnson is ranked as the 9th best overall 2024 free agent and holds the top spot among cornerbacks in free agency. If the Bears are unable to secure a deal in the off-season, there’s a likelihood that they might use the franchise tag on Jaylon Johnson, a one-year deal worth $18.8M, fully guaranteed. However, Jaylon has expressed a desire for a long-term contract, believing he has earned it. Relaying solely on the franchise tag could be risky, as Jaylon may be unwilling to risk injury and play on a one-year deal, regardless of the money. While he wants to stay in Chicago, there’s a possibility of him holding out next season if a deal isn’t done. Given Johnson’s importance to the Bears, Ryan Poles will eventually need to decide on reaching a deal, recognizing that Johnson is a player the Bears cannot afford to lose.
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Well, I’d personally pay JJ. I don’t think we’re in a position to keep funneling draft picks into the secondary with so many other areas of need still in flux. Really, if you look at the roster, for all the resources we’ve used in the past two years, there are still a lot of holes. A LOT of holes…
That said, Ryan Poles has paid only one Pace draft pick. So I’m really not optimistic Johnson gets paid.
I think the Transition Tag is in order. JJ can test the market and see what other teams think, and the Bears can match or let him walk. This is a win-win for the player and the Bears. If the number is north of 18m you gotta let him go.
This is just my take. Feel free to disagree, but I am not factoring in player loyalty, or what the guy has earned a right to. JJ will get his money. More power to the guy if he wants to “back up the Brinks truck”. If I’m building a team for long term success I have to believe in the West Coast philosophy on Offense, and the Tampa II on defense. QB/LT/DE/CB, priority positions, of the 4, CB is the easiest position to find a diamond in the rough player. It happens every year. The other 3 are typically overpay… Read more »
They might transition tag him.
There will be no Free Agency for Jaylon to pursue as the Bears will definitely use the franchise tag on him. Then they can negotiate into the summer on an extension.