Bears' decision on Jaylon Johnson is due soon

(670 The Score) For weeks, the Bears’ hope has been to reach a long-term contract extension with Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson without utilizing the franchise tag, but they’re now fighting against the clock with that goal.

Teams must designate the players who will receive the franchise tag by Tuesday at 3 p.m. CT. That represents an initial deadline of sorts for Johnson and the Bears to reach a long-term deal. If an agreement isn’t reached by that point, the Bears are expected to tender the franchise tag on the 24-year-old Johnson.

The franchise tag will pay $19.802 million to cornerbacks in 2024. Johnson himself has previously acknowledged the likelihood of receiving the franchise tag. The sides would still have until July 15 to reach a multi-year contract if the franchise tag is used.

“Conversations are going well at this time,” general manager Ryan Poles said last Tuesday at the NFL Combine. “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.”

Johnson produced a breakthrough season in 2023 as he hauled in a career-best four interceptions over 14 games. He was also graded as the top cornerback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus’ metrics.

After extension negotiations stalled during the middle of last season, Johnson requested a trade in October, but he has since retracted that wish and continually expressed his desire to remain in Chicago.

“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 .