Ryan Poles has blunt answer for Jaylon Johnson's future with Bears
The Chicago Bears answered a couple of big questions on Wednesday when the team announced the decisions to keep head coach Matt Eberflus and fire offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, but there are still plenty of questions to answer as the offseason marches on. Well, as it turns out, Bears general manager Ryan Poles answered another […]
The Chicago Bears answered a couple of big questions on Wednesday when the team announced the decisions to keep head coach Matt Eberflus and fire offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, but there are still plenty of questions to answer as the offseason marches on.
Well, as it turns out, Bears general manager Ryan Poles answered another key question when it comes to the future of Pro Bowl cornerback, Jaylon Johnson.
"We've had really good communication," Poles told reporters when asked about the prospects of bringing him back in 2024 and possibly beyond. "The big thing, was, just kind of take a break here after the season and then we'll start talks again. I feel really good about the situation. Jaylon's not going to go anywhere and we'll work through it to get something done."
It makes all the sense in the world for the Bears to keep Johnson
NFL cornerbacks are among the premium positions across the league. You don't just let good corners walk, unless you just absolutely have to. Even then, if you're a good GM, you'll figure out a way to keep them.
Regardless, this is absolutely the right move for the Bears. Johnson is a great fit in Matt Eberflus' defense and that was made very clear in 2023. Plus, when adding the development of rookie Tyrique Stevenson into the mix, keeping Johnson puts Chicago on track to have one of the best corner duos in 2024.
How much could Johnson cost to keep in free agency?
Or out of free agency. It just depends on how quickly the two sides can come to an agreement on a new deal.
Per A to Z Sports' cap experts, Josh Queipo and Kyle DeDiminicantanio, Johnson is projected to receive an annual average of $20 million per year over the course of what projects to be a four-year deal. There's also a very good chance he's hit with the franchise tag, which is currently projected to come in at $18.410 million, per Over The Cap.
Johnson has been on a steady upward trajectory since entering the NFL in the second round of the 2020 draft. And he is having quite the platform year. Allowing just 0.36 yards per coverage snap he has ascended to one of the best lockdown corners in the NFL while working in the same division as Justin Jefferson. Johnson’s four interceptions in 2023 and 43 passes defensed in the last three years show he has ball skills to go with his overall coverage skills that dissuade quarterbacks from even wanting to look his way. He compliments all of this with adequate run defense, although if there is one area of his game that lacks it is his tackling where he has a career missed tackle rate of 16.6% per Pro Football Focus.
All of these personal achievements come within the context of operating in one of the best defenses in football over the back-half of the year. Johnson was given the opportunity to talk to other clubs near the trade deadline this past year and after showing Chicago what other teams were willing to offer him the Bears elected to hold on to him. This bodes well for Johnson’s long-term contract prospects, but he is likely to get franchise tagged for 2024.
Franchise Tag Likelihood: High
4 yrs $80M, $20.0M APY, $38M fully GTD
Year One Cap Hit: $11 million
Yea, that's a lot of money. But it's well spent and it's at a spot that is key when it comes to keeping the momentum going with the Bears defense. Right now, the Bears have around $38.4 million in effective cap space and 38 rostered players in 2024 – they can certainly make it happen.
Either way, it looks like Johnson is staying the Windy City for a while.
