The Chicago Bears have quietly built one of the more promising defensive backfields in the NFL over the last few years, and the cornerstone of that unit is cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Johnson had his best season yet as a pro in 2023, and the Bears rewarded him with a hefty long-term contract extension this offseason to make sure he didn't head elsewhere in free agency.
Now he'll have to live up to his new pay grade, but his play last year should give Bears fans nothing but confidence in his ability to keep building on his recent success and even take his game to new heights in 2024:
Jaylon Johnson is in for a solid 2024.
— Just Another Year Chicago: Bears (@OfficialJAYCHI) June 17, 2024
In just 14 games, he had 4 INT (1 being a return for a TD) along with 10 PD, 1 FF, and 36 tackles.
His first PB and AP season, watch out for him again 🔥pic.twitter.com/KaDGm7pnre
The Bears have some solid pieces around him at both corner and safety, but it's Johnson who will continue to make the entire secondary click. If the Bears' pass rush can improve this season, Johnson and his teammates on the back end should be in for their best season yet.