Bears Just Got A Much-Needed Ray Of Hope On Jaylon Johnson

People were struggling to figure out what the Chicago Bears were doing when news broke that Jaylon Johnson requested a trade. They granted him permission. Word spread that several teams were interested. It felt like a deal was imminent. Then it petered out. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network revealed that Johnson would be staying in Chicago. This is great news for the organization. It means there is still hope for them to work out an extension with their young cornerback.

It also could mean big things for their defense. GM Ryan Poles worked another deal hours ago by grabbing pass rusher Montez Sweat from Washington. He instantly becomes the best defensive lineman they have and somebody who can give their rush a sorely needed boost. Keeping Johnson around makes far more sense now. It means the Bears should be more formidable against the pass moving forward. A stiffer defense coupled with some returning players from injury on offense might give them a chance to win some games.

Jaylon Johnson is worth keeping.

He's easily a top-15 cornerback in the league. Such players are hard to find. It is possible the Bears allowed him to explore the market not just for trade destinations but also to gauge his price tag with other teams. He and his agent should have a better idea now. That could make it easier for him and the Bears to find common ground on an extension. Retaining him, so soon after what happened with Roquan Smith last year, would be a big win for Poles and send the right message to the locker room.

Chicago has more than enough money to extend Jaylon Johnson and Montez Sweat without issues. They'll still have plenty left over after that too. All of that while still maintaining control of two likely top 10 picks in the 2024 draft is a big win. Sweat's arrival should instantly make life easier for Yannick Ngakoue and DeMarcus Walker. Johnson could also see more turnover opportunities behind an improved pass rush. Everybody can be happy. Good on the Bears for at least making the effort to try.

They also still have the franchise tag in their back pocket. So retaining him in 2024 remains a firm possibility, presuming they extend Sweat as expected.