Arriving at a quarterback resolution is the highest offseason precedence for the Bears, and the group may have a agency path on that entrance within the close to future. Discovering a strategy to retain cornerback Jaylon Johnson can also be excessive on the to-do checklist for basic supervisor Ryan Poles, although.
When chatting with the media on the NFL Mix on Tuesday, the latter confirmed that extension talks are nonetheless ongoing between the group and Johnson’s camp. Particularly, he famous that “conversations are going properly” on that entrance, via The Athletic’s Adam Jahns. Clearly aiming to keep away from the franchise tag, Poles mentioned he has a “robust” extension supply out to Johnson, per Patrick Finley of the Chicago Solar-Occasions.
Johnson loved a breakout marketing campaign in 2023, recording 4 interceptions and 10 cross deflections. These figures represented an uptick in ball manufacturing and earned him a Professional Bowl invite in addition to second-team All-Professional honors. After all, the 24-year-old’s market worth has seen a wholesome enhance because of his play throughout his stroll 12 months. Commerce talks within the build-up to the deadline didn’t produce an settlement, and Poles has subsequently acknowledged Johnson will stay in Chicago for at least one more season.
That purpose may very well be achieved through the use of the franchise tag, a rarity for corners however a backup plan which might guarantee the previous second-rounder doesn’t attain the open market. Johnson has acknowledged a need to change into the league’s highest-paid corner, which might require an AAV of greater than $21M on a brand new deal. Understanding a pact in that worth vary might be a problem for each events, however it’s placing that Poles spoke with appreciable optimism when offering an replace on the state of affairs.
Chicago is as soon as once more in place to have considerable spending power in free company, although retaining Johnson on a profitable pact will eat into a big portion of the group’s cap house (particularly if the $19.8M tag is used). The window to use tags is March 5, however Poles’ stance signifies a long-term settlement may very well be in place by that time.