With the 2023 season drawing closer, there is a feeling that the Chicago Bears might want to get some contract extensions done before the games begin. When looking at the list of possible options, three names stand out. They are tight end Cole Kmet, wide receiver Darnell Mooney, and cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Most believe Kmet is likely the first one to get a deal done. GM Ryan Poles singled him out as the first name when discussing the topic. Mooney is more complicated, having missed a large chunk of last season with an ankle injury. Johnson was an issue for a different reason.
Like former teammate Roquan Smith, he was operating without an agent. Everybody remembers what happened the last time. Smith stood his ground on a specific number, the Bears wouldn’t budge, and he was eventually traded to Baltimore. It appears Johnson doesn’t intend to go down that same route. After sitting on the sidelines for a long time, the cornerback has found his representation in the Family For Life Agency. They also represent Kansas City Chiefs rookie receiver Rashee Rice. They appear to be relatively new to the agent business. It seems their pitch to Johnson hit home.
Now they can work with Poles on hopefully getting a deal done.
Finding the right number is a challenge for Jaylon Johnson.
There is no denying the cornerback is a good player. His ability to stay glued to receivers in coverage shows up often on tape. He’s also not afraid to be physical. The primary issue for him is production. Johnson has one interception across three seasons of his career. He’s also missed a number of games with injuries. That complicates the situation for the Bears. While they likely want to extend him, they also probably don’t wish to pay him top money. Is Johnson worth $18-20 million per year? No. Johnson feels closer to $13 million per year based on his accomplishments.
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That would put him in line with guys like Jamel Dean and Adoree Jackson. Would Jaylon Johnson accept this? Nobody can say for sure. However, common sense says it’s unlikely. He will want a bigger payday than that. Players always do. That gives him only one option: delay negotiations until after the 2023 season. The hope would be that he has a far better statistical year, which would increase his bargaining power. It also runs the risk of killing what leverage he has if he were to get hurt. Johnson has seemed open to working out a fair agreement with the Bears.
Hopefully, the two sides get something worked out over the next month.
