Jaylon Johnson wants to remain in Chicago if they can 'get something done'
The Chicago Bears star cornerback Jaylon Johnson has publicly expressed is desire to remain with the team long term. Johnson is a pending free agent with three games remaining on the fourth and final year of his rookie contract. The Bears attempted to shop their starting cornerback back in October prior to the 2023 NFL […]
The Chicago Bears star cornerback Jaylon Johnson has publicly expressed is desire to remain with the team long term.
Johnson is a pending free agent with three games remaining on the fourth and final year of his rookie contract.
The Bears attempted to shop their starting cornerback back in October prior to the 2023 NFL trade deadline but were unable to find a suitor willing to meet their asking price. Johnson remained to Chicago and continued to build upon his career season.
"I want to stay here," Johnson said on Wednesday. "I definitely want to get something done [with Chicago] first but at the end of the day, if something doesn't get done, I'm not opposed to any other options. But I would love to stay here, so that's that.
The Bears can choose to grant Johnson his wish or elect to place him under a franchise tag worth $18.4 million once the 2023 season comes to a close. Either way, the defensive back is not expected to even reach free agency.
The Bears made a late season push over the past month of the season thanks in part to the play of the team's defense led by Johnson. The unit has played incredibly since Week 9 and the consensus is that a promising core has been established on that side of the ball.
"I feel like we're building something special, too, especially the guys in the locker room," Johnson added. "It's something that I don't think I can get anywhere else. I would like to stay in that and continue to build, make it better."
The reaction is surprising from the player who requested a trade form the team just a few weeks prior. Johnson's play since the deadline passed has certainly increased his overall value and will help him leverage closer to the amount of money he desires on a new contract with Chicago.
Johnson is tied with a team-high four interceptions after entering into his fourth season with one career interception. He is second on the team with six pass breakups, trailing rookie Tyrique Stevenson. Johnson's 30.9 passer rating allowed in coverage ranks first in the NFL among cornerbacks with 300 coverage snaps, per PFF.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles stated he remains "open to getting a contract done" and will follow Johnson's lead on the new deal. We'll see if the front office can lock him in on a long term contract or not.
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He will have a big decision to make.
