Years ago, Jaylon Johnson was one of the league's most underrated cornerbacks. Fast forward to today, and he's one of the team's weakest links. The Chicago Bears are clearly committed to dominating on defense, and he'll make that difficult.
That's why, right after the team broke the internet with the Jeffery Simmons trade, general manager Ryan Poles might have another big move up his sleeve. This time, however, it might be a case of addition by subtraction.
According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Bears might be fielding calls about their Pro Bowl cornerback. While there are some financial hurdles, they might at least try to find him a new home.
The Chicago Bears could try to trade Jaylon Johnson
“It’s unlikely the Bears will end up moving Johnson, who is in his seventh season in Chicago and sixth as a starter,” Pelissero wrote (subscription required). “But with Kyler Gordon making an impact since his return from injury and the team’s financial picture in flux after the Simmons trade, it would make sense to listen to calls. Johnson, 27, is due about $9.697 million for the rest of this season, including active roster bonuses, and $16 million in 2027 with no guarantees.”
Of course, not many teams might be interested in taking nearly $10 million in salary for a guy playing the worst football of his career. That said, they might think he's worth saving, and some teams are desperate for help on the boundary.
Also, they can treat him as a rental. His salary for 2027 isn't guaranteed, so they can always part ways with him in the offseason if things don't work out. That might be the most likely outcome if the Bears can't find any takers right now.
Over the first seven games of the season, the seven-year veteran has given up 24 receptions on 31 targets (77.4 percent) for 445 yards and a touchdown, allowing 18.5 yards per completion and a 129.4 passer rating.
The former second-team All-Pro has missed 26.9 percent of his tackles, has given up 109 yards after the catch, and Pro Football Focus gives him the fifth-lowest coverage grade among 102 eligible cornerbacks (36.8).
Johnson missed plenty of time last season with injuries, and he just hasn't returned to his former level. Maybe he needs to leave Dennis Allen's system to get back to his former level, or perhaps his best years are already behind him.
Whatever the case, the Bears can't let him hold them back. The defense has been better in year two of this regime, and Simmons' addition should elevate them to Super Bowl contender status. They can't afford to watch him get exposed time and time again.
The financial situation makes this trade somewhat tricky to pull off, but not impossible. And after landing Simmons out of the blue, it's pretty clear that this front office is all-in on making a strong postseason push.
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