Chicago Bears free agency profile: Trumaine Johnson
The Chicago Bears had a depleted cornerback unit in 2016. They also had Kyle Fuller, who didn’t seem to want to play. They need added depth at that position. Trumaine Johnson can be the playmaker they need.
As we all know, the Chicago Bears‘ secondary was depleted because of injuries. They practically called guys off the streets to come in and not just play, but start games. In addition, they had Kyle Fuller, who turned a simple injury into a season-long ordeal.
The Bears did find some hidden gems, and perhaps may have seen enough to feel comfortable with Johnthan Banks, but they need a big dog who goes out and takes on the top receivers. Trumaine Johnson could be that man.
There are a plethora of cornerbacks in this upcoming free agency period. With A.J. Bouye, Logan Ryan, and Stephon Gilmore among others hitting the open market, Johnson could be lost in the shuffle. He is among the best of the corners available, however.
More from Da Windy City
- 3 takeaways from Chicago Blackhawks shootout loss to Nashville
- Chicago Cubs in the middle of chaos that is Shohei Ohtani’s free agency
- The Chicago Cubs are on a roller coaster of emotions chasing Shohei Ohtani
- Chicago Bears quietly compiling list of head coaching candidates
- Chicago White Sox News: Erick Fedde signs two-year deal
Johnson is just 27 years old, and measures in at 6-foot-2, weighing in at 202 pounds. The Los Angeles Rams may franchise him again, but at $16.8 million they might pass. They let Janoris Jenkins leave last year, and appear to let Johnson do the same.
The reason for that may be more than just football-related. The Rams seem to want to shed the “Fisher guys” referring to former head coach Jeff Fisher, whom the Rams fired before the end of the 2016 season. Senior NFL reporter for Yahoo Sports, Charles Robinson. tweeted about it.
Johnson had an incredible 2015 season. He intercepted 7 passes and defended 17 of them. He had a down 2016, recording only 1 interception, but he still had 11 passes defended. Without Jenkins on the other side, teams decided to go away from him, and that could explain the dropoff. If he goes to Chicago and shuts down one side of the field, it bodes well for the Bears’ defense. His career interception total is 16. Turnovers is something the Bears lacked in 2016, ranking last in that category.
With his size and strength, Johnson can take on the bigger receivers in the league. He keeps those receivers on his hips, and his length allows him to outjump them and get the ball. Also, he is physical, something the Bears need to start doing again on defense.
Next: Chicago Bears draft target: Zay Jones
Trumaine Johnson would be an excellent fit with the Chicago Bears. While other cornerbacks get the attention, I think he’ll end up being the best signing of this free agent class.