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Shocking Jaylon Johnson All-Pro Snub is Actually Good News For Bears

AP not recognizing Jaylon Johnson as a 1st team All Pro is crazy to Bears fans. But what could it mean long term?

By Thomas Erbe

Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (33) returns an
Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (33) returns an / Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
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After each regular season, the Associated Press releases a fantasy roster of NFL players they call the All-Pro team. These are the players they feel are the best at each position in football. Jaylon Johnson came into his contract year with the Chicago Bears with his main goal being to make it onto the AP's All-Pro first team roster.

He did everything in his power to make that happen. When he was on the field, he provided lockdown coverage and raised the level of concern for quarterbacks planning to throw in his direction. When he wasn't playing, the difference he could make was surely seen by those watching based on the opportunities it opened for the same quarterbacks planning to avoid him.

The AP All-Pro roster has been released, and Johnson was named to the second team instead of the first.

While this is still an extraordinary accomplishment to be named one of the top five cornerbacks in the league, we know JJ. He wants to be the best and be paid like the best. So, while potentially disappointing for Johnson, could this ultimately help the Bears?

Could Jaylon Johnson's First Team All-Pro Snub Help the Bears Financially?

If the Bears are going to keep Johnson next year, they're going to have to at the very least assign him the franchise tag. But if they hope to have him around for a long time to come, both sides need to agree on a contract. Johnson wants to be paid like the best, but the AP has him as not the best. The Bears could absolutely use this as leverage at the negotiation table to have Johnson and his team lower their price to get a deal done.

To me, this should do no such thing. Johnson has proven he deserves every penny of being paid like the best because, no matter what any list says, he is the best. Quarterbacks either avoid him or pay for not avoiding him. He locks down an entire half of the field of play. The Bears need him around if they plan on competing soon, so just pay the man and let's move on.

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