While the Chicago Bears have struggled to separate themselves from the pack in recent years, they have helped develop Jaylon Johnson into one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. Since becoming the 50th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Johnson has forced eight turnovers (5 INT, 3 FF) and most recently became a second-team All-Pro cornerback.
But after four seasons in Chicago, Johnson was set to enter free agency for the first time in his career. One potential option as the deadline drew near was placing the franchise tag on Johnson, which would have paid him $19.8 million, fully guaranteed.
Yet, the Bears were able to avoid that awkward one-year contract by getting Johnson to agree to what’s being publicized as a four-year, $76 million contract extension, an average of $19 million per season. The contract also reportedly includes $54 million in guarantees.
However, some believe the contract Johnson just signed with the Bears is a bit fishy.
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PFT’s Mike Florio calls Jaylon Johnson’s Chicago Bears contract ‘alarming’
Both Jaylon Johnson and the Chicago Bears are likely thrilled to be done with their contract negotiations, allowing each side to focus on their next task at hand. Yet, others, like Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, have some big questions about how it all came together.
“Even with what we know, it’s a little alarming — and multiple league insiders are buzzing about it. The deal averages $19 million. Johnson could have made $19.8 million this year and, if tagged again in 2025, $23.76 million.”
PFT’s Mike Florio on Chicago Bears’ “alarming” Jaylon Johnson contract
Florio goes on to mention that Johnson could have made a lot more money simply by accepting the franchise tag this offseason and seeing if he could do the same next year. This method would ensure Johnson gets paid $43.5 million over the next two years. So, as Florio says, unless the Bears frontloaded the contract with a lot of guaranteed money upfront, it’s fair to wonder whether Johnson got fair value.
Yet, at the same time, if Johnson did take what’s perceived to be a ‘pay cut’, it just shows his loyalty to the Bears. Not to mention, if Johnson really did sign a ‘lesser’ deal, then Bears GM Ryan Poles just pulled off a very wise move. Now Johnson needs to hold up his end of the bargain by maintaining his Pro Bowl level play for the duration of the contract.