The highlight of Chicago Bears’ off-season has been the contract talks with their star cornerback, Jaylon Johnson.
General Manager of the Bears, Ryan Poles, ended 2023 season declaring his intentions to keep Johnson in the squad until at least 2024.
With free agency looming in two weeks, insiders are hopeful that Johnson will extend his stay beyond this one year.
Reports suggest that conversations about the contract are “going well,” and Poles, speaking from the NFL Combine, seems hopeful.
“We feel like we’ve done a really good job coming to the table strong and showing the respect that he’s due just in terms of his production through his career and really an emphasis on the turnovers he created this past year.
“Our expectation is that’s going to continue to go as he’s with the Bears.” he shared.
Bears' conversations with Jaylon Johnson "going well" ahead of free agency. https://t.co/56Ewu6lwO8
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 27, 2024
Jaylon Johnson was challenged by the Bears last season to increase his takeaways during the final year of his rookie deal.
The corner back succeeded in spectacular fashion, recording a career-best four interceptions along with a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Johnson was rewarded with the first All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors of his career. As a response, Poles emphasized that the team made a strong offer reflecting his impressive performance last season.
Earlier this year, during an appearance on the “All Facts No Brakes” podcast, Johnson admitted wishing to be the league’s highest-paid corner.
“That’s what I’m aiming for,” Johnson said on the podcast. “That’s what I’m shooting for. That’s what I think can be done and should be done.”
The current record holders are Denzel Ward, with his five-year, $100 million contract at Browns, and Jaire Alexander, with his highest annual average value of $21 million.
However, it remains unsure whether the Bears would be comfortable topping these elements.
As Poles rightly said, “It takes two to tango,” and reaching a place where everyone feels comfortable is the main challenge.
“It takes two to tango and you’ve gotta find a place that everyone feels comfortable with,” Poles said. “I feel really good about that situation.”
If they fail to agree on a long-term contract, this doesn’t signal the end of Johnson’s time in Chicago.
The Bears can resort to their franchise tag on Johnson before the Mar. 5 deadline, an option Poles acknowledged they may utilize this year.
