The Chicago Bears are re-signing star cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a four-year, $76 million contract, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The contract has $54.4 million guaranteed, Schefter said.
To be honest, four months ago I had no idea who this guy was. But after putting together three quiet but solid seasons from 2020-2022, Johnson broke out last season and caught my eye.
The Bears made three huge investments at all three levels of their defense last year.
🏈DE Montez Sweat: 4 years, $98 million
🏈LB Tremaine Edmunds: 4 years, $72 million
🏈CB Jaylon Johnson: 4 years, $76 million. https://t.co/yWVVxTxemp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 7, 2024
Lockdown Corner has greatly improved his game and improved his performance. Pro Football Focus Rating 62.9 to Ascendant 90.8, take the lead All corners across the league.
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 31: Jaylon Johnson #33 of the Chicago Bears reacts after a first-half play against the Atlanta Falcons on December 31, 2023 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.Justin Casterline/Getty Images
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 27: Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears nearly intercepts a pass during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on November 27, 2023 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. #33 reacts.David Berding/Getty Images
Entering the 2023 season with one career pick in three seasons, Johnson had a great 2023 season with four picks. (Related: Head scratcher: NFL team fires entire offensive staff, but head coach remains mediocre)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 27: #33 Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears intercepts a pass and runs during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings on November 27, 2023 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. .David Berding/Getty Images
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 22: Jaylon Johnson #33 of the Chicago Bears reacts after an interception during the second half of a game against the Las Vegas Raiders on October 22, 2023 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.Quinn Harris/Getty Images
He was selected to the Pro Bowl for his efforts, was named a second-team All-Pro, and would even argue that he was named a first-team All-Pro over Dallas Cowboys corner Daron Brand. . Yes, Brand led the league with an impressive nine interceptions. But that's because the quarterback was never afraid to throw to his side of the field.
Jaylon Johnson is part of the top five this season.pic.twitter.com/zni7SmB5Hk
— Dave (@dave_bfr) December 10, 2023
It's good for Chicago to get this deal done.Johnson actually had I was demanded to He was traded at some point last season, but now he's set to return in the near future and his future looks bright.
Chicago holds the No. 1 overall pick in April's NFL Draft, and all signs point to them selecting USC Trojans star quarterback Caleb Williams. If that happens and they trade incumbent quarterback Justin Fields, they will have a ton of draft capital to build around Johnson, Williams and star receiver DJ Moore.
