As the Chicago Bears continue ascending in the NFC in hopes of making a push for a Super Bowl, this team is going to have to have elite-caliber talent reveal itself on a consistent basis.

Quarterback Caleb Williams has the potential to reach that level this upcoming season if he takes that next leap in his developments, the same goes for second-year tight end Colston Loveland. Joe Thuney and Darnell Wright are two established elite-level talent on the offensive front.

Looking at the defensive side of the ball, the Bears need an elite player to fully step up to get this team to where they want to go. That could be new safety Coby Bryant or edge rusher Montez Sweat. However, the likeliest option the Bears have that can play at that level is cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

Chicago Bears CB Jaylon Johnson needs to play at an elite level once again in 2026

Johnson showed consistent signs that he can be one of the top players at his position during the 2023-2024 seasons, earning himself a massive extension with the team. However, his upward momentum as an elite corner stalled last season after Johnson was forced to miss 10 games due to injury.

Head coach Ben Johnson is already putting the pressure on Johnson to prove himself, and his price tag, to this team in 2026 coming off last year. And the Bears while need him to be at his best once again. Just look at some of the top WR talent the Bears will be facing:

• Justin Jefferson & Jordan Addison x2
• Amon-Ra St. Brown & Jameson Williams x2
• Christian Watson x2
• A.J. Brown (either with PHI or NE)
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba
• DeVonta Smith
• Tetairoa McMillan
• Garrett Wilson
• DJ Moore
• Emeka Egbuka
• Chris Olave

That’s some top level competition, and the Bears will need to have Johnson back at his usual Pro Bowl-caliber self to help lock down those threats. Johnson, himself, should be feeling the added pressure this upcoming season.

Another contract extension could hang in the balance for Jaylon Johnson in 2026

Next year will be an expensive year for the Bears. Chicago is already laying out extensions with Williams and Wright while having a potential early decision to make with Rome Odunze. Veteran tight end Cole Kmet’s deal will also have to be addressed in 2027.

Johnson is another player the Bears will have to look closer at after the 2026 season. Johnson’s current contract has no more guaranteed money after the 2026 season, which is usually the point in which front offices decide on a player’s future with the team.

If Johnson can prove he’s back to being an elite player, the Bears can consider giving him a deal that matches the new market at the position. If not, Chicago could consider moving on and using that money elsewhere.

Needless to say, it’s going to be a pivotal prove-it year for Johnson in 2026 that not enough people are talking about.