Ryan Poles Gives Amazing Update on Jaylon Johnson Contract Talks
The NFL Scouting Combine is underway this week at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. General manager Ryan Poles met with reporters on Feb. 27 and discussed a range of different topics.
There are a lot of things that the Bears need to figure out which includes pending free agents and QB questions. One major thing on the do-list for the front office involves Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Johnson is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March but it's extremely unlikely that he touches the open market. Poles has been in contact with Johnson and his representatives and he feels good about the direction things are headed.
#Bears GM Ryan Poles says team is “coming strong” with a contract offer for CB Jaylon Johnson. He sounds optimistic about negotiations.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 27, 2024
The 38-year-old GM said the Bears are "In the process of getting Jaylon Johnson done.". He also added that, "I’d like to avoid the franchise tag," and they feel confident in what they are offering.
The franchise tag window opened on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and will run through March 5 at 4 p.m. ET. Additionally, the franchise tag number for a cornerback in 2024 is $19.8 million.
Poles and the Bears are clearly offering around or more than that as they look to lock down Johnson for multiple years. The 24-year-old is coming off the best year of his career, logging 36 total tackles, 10 pass deflections, four interceptions, and one forced fumble. Furthermore, he had a 90.6 PFF grade.
His outstanding campaign landed him on the Second-Team All-Pro squad in 2023. Now both sides are looking to lock down a multi-year deal to keep Johnson in the Windy City.
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