(670 The Score) Professional athletes are often willing to bet on themselves in contract years, but few manage to win their wagers like Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson did this past season.
Johnson had a breakthrough season in 2023, earning Pro Bowl honors, hauling in four interceptions and grading out as the top cornerback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus metrics. Johnson's strong campaign came as he was looking to land a long-term contract extension, which never came to fruition during the season.
As the Bears look forward, they boast great talent at cornerback, but that team strength also hinges on Johnson's future and whether he'll be retained this offseason.
Editor’s note: This is the latest installment in an offseason outlook series exploring each of the Bears’ position groups. Click here to check out the others .
Who’s under contract: Kyler Gordon, 24; Tyrique Stevenson, 23; Terell Smith, 24; Jaylon Jones, 26
Free agents: Jaylon Johnson, 24; Josh Blackwell, 24
2023 review
When the Bears selected cornerback Tyrique Stevenson in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, they were primarily focused on strengthening their starting cornerback group but were also potentially adding a replacement for Johnson as they assessed their long-term future.
Stevenson endured challenges as a rookie cornerback starting in the NFL, but he shined late in the season as he found increased comfort. The 23-year-old Stevenson had four interceptions and proved that he can be a long-term starter.
The 24-year-old Gordon, a second-round pick of the Bears in 2022, brought stability to the secondary as the starting nickel cornerback. He had two interceptions, and he also missed four games early in the season due to a hand fracture.
Beyond the starters, the Bears also got solid contributions from rookie cornerback Terell Smith, a fifth-round pick out of Minnesota. Smith played in 12 games and started four, initially rotating with Stevenson early in the season.
But no cornerback starred quite like Johnson, who elevated his standing as a strong cover cornerback to being a dynamic star at his position. Opposing receivers averaged just 8.7 yards per catch and 4.8 yards per target against Johnson. He allowed a 50.9 passer rating against in 2023.
Johnson did all of that as he sought a new contract from the Bears. Now, he hopes to take it to the bank this offseason.
What comes next?
At the end of the season, Bears general manager Ryan Poles made it clear that the team won't lose Johnson this offseason.
“Jaylon’s not going to go anywhere, and we’ll work through it to get something done,” Poles said.
The mechanism through which the Bears will retain Johnson has yet to be decided. Johnson and the Bears didn't come close to striking a long-term extension last season, sources said. The negotiations became more complex as Johnson’s performance increased his value throughout the season. The conversations about Johnson went from what he could become to what he really is now — a star cornerback.
The Bears have until March 5 to apply the franchise tag on Johnson, which seems to be the likelihood at this time. In doing so, they would secure the rights to Johnson for the upcoming season and extend their window for negotiations.
By the end of last season, Johnson acknowledged that he's aiming to be the "highest-paid corner in the league." Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander was the highest-paid cornerback in 2023, earning $21 million. The franchise tag is expected to pay cornerbacks around $19 million in 2024, though that figure hasn't been finalized.
If the Bears do tender the franchise tag on Johnson, they'll lock in the most important piece of a a talented cornerback trio that will all enter the season at 25 years of age or younger.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .
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