Bears CB Jaylon Johnson eyes next contract with Bears — or 'somewhere else'
<p>No one has been with the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears" target="_blank" >Bears</a> longer than cornerback Jaylon Johnson.</p><p>That time may be coming to an end.</p><p>He planned it that way.</p><p>In May 2024, Johnson negotiated a four-year, $76 million deal that pays him $25 million — but with only a $9 million dead cap charge — in 2027. That makes him an attractive cut candidate after this season — and would allow him to reach free agency, where the market for cornerbacks has exploded over the past two-and-a-half years, just before his 28<sup>th</sup> birthday.</p><p>“I'm not a dummy,” Johnson said.</p><p>Johnson, then, is treating this year like the last one of his deal, even though it’s not.</p><p>“It's definitely a contract year for me,” he said.
Reported by 1 outlet — Chicago Sun-Times. See all sources ↓
Jaylon Johnson has been a Chicago Bears cornerback longer than any other player on the team. In May 2024 he signed a four‑year, $76 million contract that pays him $25 million a year but leaves only a $9 million dead‑cap charge in 2027. That structure makes it easy for the Bears to release him after this season, which would let him become a free agent before he turns 28. The market for cornerbacks has grown a lot in the last two‑and‑a‑half years, so he could get a better deal elsewhere.
Why it matters
His possible departure would change the Bears’ secondary and affect their salary‑cap planning. Fans should watch because a key defender might leave for another team.
- How long has Jaylon Johnson been with the Bears?
- He has been with the Bears longer than any other current player.
- What makes Johnson a likely cut candidate after this season?
- His contract leaves only a $9 million dead‑cap charge in 2027, so releasing him would save the team money.
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Bears CB Jaylon Johnson eyes next contract with Bears — or 'somewhere else'
Sources1TypeCoverageChicago Sun-Times