The Chicago Bears are using the franchise tag on star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, according to multiple NFL insiders.
Johnson, a former second-round pick in 2020, is coming off a career year with Chicago, where he set a career-high with four interceptions, 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 14 games while also emerging as a top cover cornerback in the NFL. Johnson earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods for his impressive 2023 campaign.
Back at the NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Ryan Poles told reporters the organization was in the process of getting a contract extension done for Johnson, where conversations were going well are there was optimism about getting a new deal done. Poles made it clear he didn’t want to utilize the franchise tag, but it now serves as a necessary tool to continue extension talks while not letting Johnson explore other options.
The Bears have until July 15 to agree to a long-term deal before Johnson plays out the 2024 season on the $19.8 million franchise tag. Several NFL insiders reiterated that contract talks are on-going, where CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones even indicated a deal could be in place before the start of the new league year on March 13.
Here’s how Twitter (X) reacted to Johnson getting the tag:
Listening to Ryan Poles at combine, felt like they were close to a deal. Must have been a snag or something. But Johnson will get the tag and the conversations continue. #Bears https://t.co/cBm6ogILBq
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) March 5, 2024
Not surprised
Let’s get a long term deal done now. He’s massively important to the defense.
Will allow Stevenson/Gordon to develop better too https://t.co/r1c6m1h5LB
— ð ±ï¸ð (@b_cowell34) March 5, 2024
Wait people actually thought he was going to walk for nothing? This isn’t the ryan pace run bears anymore. This is a well run front office. And also poles said he’s not going anywhere. I’m shocked that people are shocked.https://t.co/gp6bE86nHs
— thedude444 (@thedude4442) March 5, 2024
The Bears cannot let Jaylon Johnson go. This is the right move.
Worst-case scenario, trade him for a 1st round pick + more. But I’d do anything possible to keep Johnson in Chicago. https://t.co/HKEMlGhovH
— Hunter Haas…
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