Jaylon Johnson, Bears Engaged in Contract Talks; GM Would Like to Avoid Franchise Tag

After Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson earned his first Pro Bowl selection and second-team All-Pro honors this past season, the team would like to keep him around for the foreseeable future.

Per ESPN's Field Yates, Bears general manager Ryan Poles said Tuesday that the team has begun contract discussions with Johnson.

"The conversations are going well at this time," Poles said, adding that he prefers not to use the franchise tag on him.

The franchise tag value for cornerbacks this offseason is $18.8 million, which would be more than Johnson has earned in his four-year career after being selected by the Bears with a second-round pick in 2020.

While playing in the final season of his rookie contract, Johnson earned just $3.5 million but managed to put forth a standout campaign that made him one of Chicago's best defensive players. In 14 games, he registered 36 total tackles, ten passes defended, a career-high four interceptions and his first career interception return touchdown.

In December, Johnson made it clear that while he's open to exploring his options, he desires to continue his tenure with the Bears.

"I want to stay here," he said at the time. "I definitely want to get something done [with Chicago] first but at the end of the day, if something doesn't get done, I'm not opposed to any other options. But I would love to stay here, so that's that. I feel like we're building something special, too, especially the guys in the locker room. It's something that I don't think I can get anywhere else. I would like to stay in that and continue to build, make it better."

The Bears own the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft after last year's trade with the Carolina Panthers, so this will be a pivotal offseason for the team. Retaining Johnson on a long-term deal would be a step in the right direction for Chicago.