Key Chicago Bears player explains why he's been absent from OTAs
A key Chicago Bears player has been missing from recent OTAs, but despite some typical fan reaction, there's no reason for concern. OTAs this time of year, after all, are voluntary. And fans and analysts/reporters sometimes lose sight of that. Bears cornerback Jaylon Johson, who is entering his fourth year in the NFL, hasn't been […]
A key Chicago Bears player has been missing from recent OTAs, but despite some typical fan reaction, there's no reason for concern.
OTAs this time of year, after all, are voluntary. And fans and analysts/reporters sometimes lose sight of that.
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johson, who is entering his fourth year in the NFL, hasn't been at OTAs the last couple of weeks. But he has a good reason for his absence.
Johnson, a second-round pick by Chicago in the 2020 NFL Draft, appeared on "Keyshawn, JWill, and Max" on Thursday and he explained why he hasn't been at OTAs.
The former Utah standout told the show that he's been spending time with his daughter in Fresno, CA. He also noted that he's been organizing fundraisers and new opportunities for his non-profit Kevvys Vision Project, which honors his friend by the same name who lost his life to gun violence in 2021.
Johnson said he'll "for sure" be at OTAs next week.
I'd say that's a fair reason to miss voluntary OTAs in May.
Johnson played in 11 games for Chicago last season, totaling 35 tackles and seven passes defensed. He'll have plenty of motivation to have a big season in 2023 as he's scheduled to be a free agent next offseason. The former second-round pick stands to make himself quite a bit of cash in free agency if he can have a big season for the Bears.
Featured image via Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
