Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles gives big Jaylon Johnson contract update at 2024 NFL Combine
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is entering his third offseason and just like the previous two, he's got some big decisions to make.There's the obvious decision that comes with the No. 1 overall pick and the potential trading of Justin Fields, but there's another big one that comes in the shape of Jaylon Johnson's […]
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles is entering his third offseason and just like the previous two, he's got some big decisions to make.
There's the obvious decision that comes with the No. 1 overall pick and the potential trading of Justin Fields, but there's another big one that comes in the shape of Jaylon Johnson's future.
Poles said back in January that Johnson is "not going to go anywhere" and his confidence in that statement has remained just as high over the past several weeks.
"In the process of getting Jaylon Johnson done, conversations are going well at this time," Poles told reporters at the 2024 NFL Combine. "We feel like we've done a really good job kind of coming to the table strong, [and] showing the respect that he's due just in terms of his production to his career. [We] really put an emphasis on the turnovers that he created this past year. Our expectation is that's going to continue to go as he's with the Bears."
Typically GMs will say what needs to be said in order to get narratives sewn up, but Poles went even deeper, unsolicited, which certainly adds a viable layer to the situation.
"When I say coming to the table strong, that means cash flows are strong, guarantees are strong, [and] the terms are strong for him," said Poles. "Being his age, there's a really good opportunity for him to go back to the market again [and] continue to earn money and play well and hopefully that's with the Bears for a long period of time. So I'm excited about that.
"Like I've said about those deals all the time, it takes two to tango, and you got to find a place that everyone feels comfortable with. I feel really good about that situation."
No franchise tag in mind when it comes to Johnson's future
One way the Bears can keep Johnson all to themselves is via the franchise tag. Poles would have to tag Johnson by March 5, but he doesn't see things shaking out that way – nor does he want it to.
"I'd like to avoid the franchise tag for him," said Poles. "I think there's a really good space for us to find a middle ground. Again, we always have the tag to use, but I really would like to get something long-term."
Johnson finished the 2023 season with a career-high four interceptions. We currently project him to receive a four-year, $80 million deal in free agency, or from the Bears during the legal tampering period. The franchise tag tender for cornerbacks is officially set at $19,802,000 for 2024.
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