Jaylon Johnson Signs Four-Year Deal To Stay With Bears
The Chicago Bears and star cornerback Jaylon Johnson are finalizing a four-year, $76 million contract extension that will make him one of the league's highest-paid corners. The Bears placed the franchise tag on Johnson last week but they had their sights set on getting Johnson locked up long-term all along, a plan that came to fruition on Thursday. Johnson will average $19 million per season on his new deal, putting him behind only Trevon Diggs in average annual salary. Johnson had 36 total tackles and four interceptions in 14 games in 2024.
The Chicago Bears are placing their franchise tag on star cornerback Jaylon Johnson on Tuesday. General manager Ryan Poles said at last week's NFL scouting combine that they are in the process of getting a long-term deal done with Johnson, but if the two sides can't agree on something by the deadline in mid-July, Johnson would play the 2024 season on the one-year, $19.8 million tag. "Conversations are going well at this time," Poles said last week. The 24-year-old former second-round pick by the Bears in 2020 out of Utah was selected to his first Pro Bowl in 2023 after recording 36 tackles (31 solo), a career-high four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 10 passes defensed and a forced fumble in 14 starts.
Bears Are Dedicated To Bringing Back Jaylon Johnson
The Chicago Bears are dedicated to bringing back impending free-agent cornerback Jaylon Johnson, which might require the franchise tag. The Bears will also likely look to upgrade their defensive line this offseason, including adding an additional pass-rusher to complement Montez Sweat. Johnson, 24, was the team's second-round pick in 2020 out of Utah and was a big reason why Chicago's secondary was one of the better units in the league in 2023. He had a career year as a first-time Pro Bowler and finished with 36 tackles (31 solo), a career-high four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), 10 passes defensed and a forced fumble in 14 starts in his fourth year in the NFL.
Chicago Bears star cornerback Jaylon Johnson said he'd rather sign a new contract with the Bears instead of testing the free-agent market. "I want to stay here," Johnson said. "I definitely want to get something done (here) first. But at the end of the day, if something doesn't get done, then I'm not opposed to any other options. But I would love to stay here. So that's that." It comes after he requested a trade before the Oct. 31 deadline. He's in the middle of a strong year, recording four interceptions after having just one in his first 43 career appearances. General manager Ryan Poles said at the time near the trade deadline that he thought the two sides were close to a contract extension after an Oct. 29 meeting. The 24-year-old former second-rounder in 2020 out of Utah also has 31 tackles (26 solo) in addition to his career-high four picks in 2023.
The San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills are among those discussing potential trades for Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson, according to a source. The Dallas Cowboys to this point have not been involved. The league's trade deadline is at 4 pm ET on Tuesday. Johnson has requested a trade from Chicago and is likely to be dealt by the deadline on Halloween. The 24-year-old is in his fourth NFL season this year and has recorded 18 tackles (15 solo), two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), four passes defensed and one forced fumble through six starts this year. Johnson isn't really on the IDP fantasy radar as a defensive back, but he could make for a nice real-life upgrade in the secondary for either San Fran or Buffalo if they're able to pull off a deal on Tuesday.
Jaylon Johnson And Eddie Jackson Both Miss Practice For The Bears
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (hamstring) and safety Eddie Jackson (foot) didn't practice on Tuesday, which puts their status in doubt for Thursday Night Football against the Washington Commanders. Both players missed Week 4 against the Denver Broncos. and the fact they missed Tuesday's practice is not a great sign for their availability on TNF. The Bears' secondary is already short-handed with nickelback Kyler Gordon (hand) on Injured Reserve, so both Johnson and Jackson would need to log a limited session on Wednesday in order to have a chance to play on Thursday. Either way, the arrow is pointing up for Washington quarterback Sam Howell and the Commanders' offense.
Jaylon Johnson, Velus Jones Jr. Inactive For Week 3
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (quad) and wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. (hamstring) are inactive for Week 3 against the Houston Texans. Johnson, who was listed as questionable, has amassed four tackles and one forced fumble through two games this season. He is an integral part of the Bears' secondary, so his absence bodes quite well for the Houston passing game this week. Meanwhile, Jones will miss his third consecutive game. He had been listed as doubtful and has yet to make his NFL debut.
Jaylon Johnson, Tashaun Gipson Land On COVID-19 List
Chicago Bears defensive backs Jaylon Johnson and Tashaun Gipson Sr. were placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list. As a result, they are both out ahead of the Monday Night Football matchup against NFC North rivals, the Minnesota Vikings. With the team dealing with numerous injuries on the defensive end, Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, and possibly Adam Thielen (ankle) may all benefit. While Jefferson and Thielen are nearly always must-start candidates, fantasy managers may want to consider utilizing Cousins as their Week 15 signal-caller.
Jaylon Johnson, Tashaun Gipson Placed On COVID List
The Chicago Bears placed defensive backs Jaylon Johnson and Tashaun Gipson on the Reserve/COVID-19 list on Sunday. The Bears will be short-handed on Monday against a potent Vikings passing attack, even if receiver Adam Thielen (ankle) misses a second straight game with a high ankle sprain. It's an upgrade for the likes of quarterback Kirk Cousins and receivers Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn, with Thielen on the wrong side of questionable to suit up. The Bears defense/special teams, which enters the week ranked 15th in terms of overall fantasy points on the season, isn't one to put into your starting lineups in Week 15.
Bears Defense Enters Sunday Without Jaylon Johnson, Deon Bush
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (shoulder) and safety Deon Bush (foot) have been ruled out for Sunday's game against Minnesota. Johnson has been a staple of the Bears Defense as a rookie, having been removed from last week's contest due to a shoulder ailment. The team will likely rely on Kindle Vildor in an expanded capacity Sunday to attempt to corral Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson, while the absence of Bush also decreases the team's depth in the secondary. Irrespective of Johnson and Bush's injuries, Chicago's defense remains an above-average unit in Week 15 due to the team's propensity for sacks, in addition to having held the Vikings to 19 points the last time that the teams matched up this season.
