The Chicago Bears and Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson have agreed to terms on a four-year, $76 million contract that includes $54.4 million in guarantees.
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— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 7, 2024
Sources: The #Bears and Pro Bowl CB Jaylon Johnson are finalizing a 4-year, $76M new contract that makes him one of the game’s highest paid at his position.
Instead of the franchise tag, Chicago locks in their superstar long-term, another key piece on D. pic.twitter.com/vsffLhksnt
The Bears placed the franchise tag on Johnson this week but remained optimistic that a long-term contract could be worked out. Kudos to general manager Ryan Poles for completing the deal before the 2024 free agency legal tampering window opens on Monday, March 11.
Johnson enjoyed a career year in 2023. He finished the season with four interceptions, up from just one in his previous three years combined.
With Jaylon Johnson locked up on a long-term deal, the Chicago Bears will continue to feature one of the top young secondaries in the NFC with Kyler Gordon and Tyrique Stevenson alongside Johnson.
It's a great deal for Johnson, who, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, will hit free agency again at 28 years old.
Jaylon Johnson is getting $60 million in the first three years of the deal, including $54 million guaranteed, per source. He can potentially hit the market again at age 28. https://t.co/yWVVxTxemp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2024
The Chicago Bears could make another big splash in free agency with top-shelf defenders like Christian Wilkins (Dolphins) and Xavier McKinney (Giants) both hitting the open market. Offensive skill players like Calvin Ridley Jr. (Jaguars) and Saquon Barkley (Giants) could be in play as well.
