Ryan Poles: Bears' negotiations with Jaylon Johnson for a long-term deal are 'going well'

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (670 The Score) – The Bears’ contract negotiations with Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson are “going well,” general manager Ryan Poles said Tuesday at the NFL Combine.

The Bears are hopeful that they won’t need to use the franchise tag on Johnson. The deadline to apply the tag is next Tuesday. Johnson would become an unrestricted free agent if the Bears don’t reach an extension with him and also don’t use a tag on him, but Poles previously made clear they’ll retain him.

Poles and Johnson’s representatives are expected to continue their dialogue this week

“Conversations are going well at this time,” Poles said. “We feel like we've done a really good job coming to the table strong and showing the respect that he's due just in terms of his production through his career and really an emphasis on the turnovers he created this past year. Our expectation is that's going to continue to go as he's with the Bears.

“When I say come strong, that means cash flows are strong, guarantees are strong, the term is strong for him. Being with his age, there's a really good opportunity to go back to the market again and continue to earn money and play well and hopefully that's with the Bears for a long period of time. So, I'm
excited about that.

“It takes two to tango, and you've got to find a place that everyone feels comfortable with. So, I feel really good about that situation.”

The 24-year-old Johnson had a breakthrough fourth NFL season in which he hauled in four interceptions and was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. He was graded as the No. 1 cornerback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics.

Johnson and the Bears engaged in contract negotiations this past season but didn’t make meaningful progress. Those conversations grew more complicated as Johnson stacked stellar performances that raised his price point.

Johnson requested a trade in late October after negotiations stalled but has since retracted that wish. More recently, Johnson has been open about his desire to remain with the Bears.

“I just couldn’t see myself anywhere else,” Johnson said in January. "It’s easy to say, oh, you want out of somewhere until you get it and then it’s like, ‘Ah, this may not be quite what I want.’ But I would say for me, I want to stay here and I want to not make that transition now. I feel like we’re building something special too, especially with the guys in the locker room. I mean, it's something I can’t get anywhere else. I would like to stay and continue to build, make it better. And (shoot), I want to win some games and get to the playoffs and make a push with the Chicago name too.”

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .