The Chicago Bears are clearly ahead of schedule. Not many people thought they'd be as good as they were this season, and it's all about figuring out how to improve the roster and return even stronger next year.
That means making moves, which inevitably leads to some sacrifices. Believe it or not, that could include veteran cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who was considered to be one of this team's most reliable defensive backs, if not the most. It won't be an easy decision, and GM Ryan Poles will have to make a call one way or another pretty soon.
The Bears Need to Figure Out What to do With Jaylon Johnson
As things stand now, the Chicago Bears are $5.3 million over the salary cap. Per Over The Cap, they rank 24th in the league in that regard, and every single penny will count. That's where Johnson's contract might come in handy.
The former Pro Bowler has two years left on his deal, and the Bears will take a huge $25 million cap hit for next season with him. They also have to pay him a $7.6 million signing bonus that becomes fully guaranteed on the third day of the league year, which is why Chicago must act quickly if it doesn't want to commit that money and keep Johnson around. Moving on from the defender before March 13 would create $7 million in cap space, which could reach $16 million if done after June 1.
Johnson is coming off his worst season in the league. He was banged up and never looked fully healthy, struggling to keep up with fast wideouts, not closing out after being beaten, and showing little to no effort at times. He gave up 256 yards while allowing a 72.7 percent catch rate, which is not good for a defense that relies on big plays and turnovers.
His talent is undeniable, and he should've earned the benefit of the doubt by now. Still, after watching him log just 17 total tackles, two passes defensed, and one pick in seven appearances this season, it's impossible to justify taking such a huge cap hit to keep him around.
Football is a cruel sport that doesn't wait for anybody. It's not about what a player did for the team in the past but about what he can do for them in the future. Whether it comes via the draft, where Chicago owns seven picks, including three in the first 89 selections, or looking for a slightly less expensive option on the free agent market, all things considered, it's hard to believe the Bears will bring Johnson back for another year.