Film Breakdown: Jaylon Johnson is playing his way into a huge contract
The saga between the Chicago Bears and cornerback Jaylon Johnson should virtually be decided following the last two games of the season. Johnson is playing the best football of his career in 2023 and deserves the massive extension coming his way. Johnson has one interception in each of his last two games, bringing his season […]
The saga between the Chicago Bears and cornerback Jaylon Johnson should virtually be decided following the last two games of the season. Johnson is playing the best football of his career in 2023 and deserves the massive extension coming his way.
Johnson has one interception in each of his last two games, bringing his season total to three interceptions in 2023. The Bears fourth-year cornerback entered into the season with one interception combined in his first three seasons.
Realistically, Johnson should have totaled two interceptions in his last two games but narrowly dropped what could have been two defensive touchdowns. Johnson is one of 12 defensive backs in 2023 that has recorded 2+ interceptions in a single game after logging two in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite the missed opportunities over the past two games, Johnson is still one of seven players with 3+ interceptions and 1+ pick sixes in 2023. The Bears top cornerback also leads the team with eight pass deflections.
"He's always been really solid in coverage, but only had one interception in his first three seasons." A to Z film analyst James Foster said. "This year he's starting to get a little bit more ball production and that isn't coming at the expense of his technique. It's not like he's taking a bunch of chances to pad his stats. He has the lowest yards per cover snap among NFL corners (0.42), and that would be the third lowest for a single season since 2015. And he's going to be a free agent this offseason. To me, it just makes no sense for the Bears not to re-sign him."
According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson has been targeted 40 times, allowing 20 receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown. Johnson's 90.4 coverage grade and 37.7 passer rating allowed ranks 1st on the team.
In fact, Johnson's 90.4 coverage grade ranks 6th amongst all defenders in the league this season. Johnson's 37.7 passer rating allowed is the 3rd-lowest in the NFL trailing only San Francisco 49ers safety Tashuan Gipson Jr. and Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland.
So What's Next?
After extending Montez Sweat a few weeks ago, Johnson is now the Bears top player at the plate to receive a new deal. Johnson and the Bears front-office appeared to be at a stalemate in terms of agreeing on a fair price to compensate his efforts to the team but that could soon change.
The Bears attempted to shop Johnson at the 2023 NFL Trade Deadline but were unable to find a suitor willing to acquire his talents. As a result, Johnson returned to Chicago and has continued to play at a high level.
The Bears will eventually be forced into one of two choices: either pay the man or risk wasting the franchise tag in order to retain his rights while working to find a trade partner once the season ends.
Earlier in the month, Johnson noted that his play on the field over the final weeks of the season will only drive his value up in terms of his contract potential. So far, he's been right and banking on himself might eventually pay off in a big way.
Jaylon Johnson deal next on the table for Bears after Montez Sweat extension
Another decision needs to be made
