All-pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson and the Chicago Bears have come to terms on a four-year deal worth up $76 million with $54 million guaranteed yesterday.
This deal comes only two days after the Bears announced they were going to franchise tag the 24-year-old. a franchise tag would’ve netted Johnson $19.8 million in the 2024 season. If the Bears theoretically were to franchise tag him again in 2025, that number would have been boosted to $23.76 million.
At about $19 million per year average, many view this deal as somewhat of a bargain, even if he is still the fourth-highest paid cornerback in the league. After finishing the season on the All-Pro Second Team, many speculated Johnson could make north of $21 million, which would’ve made him the highest paid corner in the league.
Because Johnson opted to take the security over money, the Bears now have the ability to build a roster worthy of contention for years.
What Jaylon Johnson’s Contract Means For The Bear’s Future
Johnson stated on multiple occasions that relationships mattered just as much as the money, and that both are influencing his decision.
“I want to stay here,” said Johnson after the Bears’ Week 17 game. “I feel like we’re building something special, too. Especially with the guys in this locker room. I don’t think it’s something I can get anywhere else.”
Bears GM Ryan Poles talked confidently prior to Johnson signing and shared his pleasure once the deal got done.
“We’re extremely excited to be able to keep Jaylon here for the next four years,” Poles said. “He’s an integral part of our defense and his leadership will help our team continue to ascend.”
Johnson played in 14 games in 2023, he only allowed 4.8 yards yards per target and a 50.9 passer rating, while also forcing five turnovers and scoring a touchdown. His spectacular play earned him a spot on the NFC Pro Bowl squad and the aforementioned All-Pro honors.
Head coach Matt eberflus reiterated Poles’ comments on Johnson.
“I’m so proud of Jaylon the way he improved in the way he took the challenge to be a ball guy and he certainly did that,” Eberflus said at the NFL Combine. “He’s a great leader not only in our defensive back room but in our whole defensive room too. He’s really starting to become a really good leader on our football team.”
With Johnson locked up, Poles and Eberflus will move their attention towards building onto the strong core of Johnson, Montez Sweat, Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards and Jaquan Brisker through free agency.
With the Johnson deal finished, the Bears have roughly $59 million left to spend once bidding opens up. Chicago has been linked with some of the top defensive free agents, including the Vikings’ Danielle Hunter, Dolphins’ Christian Wilkins and newly released safety Justin Simmons, formerly of the Denver Broncos.
With the first and ninth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Bears look primed to add enough talent to make a Houston Texans-style turnaround this upcoming season.
Many believe that the second-half resurgence the Bears had in the 2023 season is not a fluke, and shows great promise for a team that began the season as one of the worst teams in the league.
“I couldn’t see myself anywhere else,” Said Johnson. “I want to win some games, I want to make it to the playoffs and make a push with the Chicago name.”