While DJ Moore might be commanding the attention of Chicago Bears fans when it comes to upcoming notable exits, another name is going overlooked.
Jaylon Johnson is coming off an underwhelming 2025 season, playing in only seven games due to injuries. When Johnson was able to take the field, the corner allowed 17.2 yards per reception, pointing out a tendency to give up big plays when targeted. This is as damaging a stat as you can find and leaves the Chicago with every reason to consider an offseason change.
If the Bears cut Johnson after June 1, it would save the franchise $16 million in projected cap space, according to Spotrac. It is hard to justify keeping Johnson when you can open up this type of valuable space. The corner already wasn't having a consistent positive impact when he managed to take the field. This was evidenced by a 58.7 Pro Football Focus grade, reiterating Johnson's issues tracking the football consistently and his tendency to get beaten for big plays.
It would be easy to blame the regression on injuries and hope for a turnaround in the 2026 season. However, the cleaner move is not to take that chance by cutting Johnson and utilizing the cap space you open to bring in an obvious upgrade. Chicago is an attractive landing spot for prospective free agents or trade targets, making an upgrade an inevitability if Johnson is cut as expected in the offseason.
Bears Left with No Choice but to Cut Jaylon Johnson After Dismal 2025
There is always an avenue to a re-signing as well if Johnson is willing to swallow his pride and take a one-year prove-it deal to return. It makes some sense, given the NFC's landscape and the chance to contend that the Bears offer. Either way, Johnson is going to be forced to take a lesser deal in a league that is only focused on your most recent accomplishments.
The veteran defender needs to prove not only that he can stay healthy, but also that he is the same player Chicago watched early in his tenure, when he does take the field. There is enough doubt that this is the case to justify the move to save $16 million and give the franchise the chance to find an upgrade.
Johnson has been with the franchise since the 2020 offseason, when he was selected 50th overall, and quickly became a pivotal piece of the defense. While past performance is appreciated, it doesn't change the performance vs. salary space debate, which presents an easy answer. It is not the only interesting decision facing the Bears, with the futures of Moore and Cole Kmet both up for debate, Bears fans appear to be set up for an entertaining offseason.