Bears Use The Franchise Tag On This Pro-Bowler.
The Chicago Bears have officially made a major move to bolster their defense for 2024 and used their franchise tag on Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson. This tag pays Johnson $19.8 million yearly while he and Ryan Poles, the Bears' general manager, try to work out a long-term deal.
Johnson has previously stated that he wants to be paid as the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, a position currently held by Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers. Alexander makes $21 million per year, $84 million in total, and $30 million in guaranteed money. His franchise figure puts him in a position to potentially surmount this number with his next contract if he plays like he has been recently.
Despite Johnson's high salary expectations, he has been a standout player for the Bears and has established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. In 2023, Johnson earned the highest coverage grade from PFF, giving up only 195 yards, a passer rating of 31.0 when targeted, and allowing just one touchdown.
Ryan Poles, the General Manager of the Chicago Bears, expressed his desire to keep Jaylon Johnson on the team for a long time. During an interview at the Combine, Poles stated that they were already negotiating a contract extension for Johnson, and he seemed optimistic about it.
The Bears have until mid-July to finalize the long-term deal with Johnson, adding to the large list of major decisions they'll need to make this offseason.
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