The Chicago Bears are 1-5. That makes one think that GM Ryan Poles may once again be a seller at the upcoming trade deadline on October 31st. He already sent Chase Claypool to Miami, but that was for different reasons. There is a distinct possibility the Bears could unload some players with expiring contracts that might fetch a draft pick in return. Darnell Mooney is one possibility. Yannick Ngaokoue is another. However, most would agree cornerback Jaylon Johnson is their biggest bait.
Despite his ongoing inability to force turnovers, the former 2nd round pick remains their most dependable cover corner. Quarterbacks have a 68.0 passer rating when targeting him this season. He's allowed only one touchdown in his last 15 games. Yes, it would be nice if he had more interceptions, but the reality is he's a good player. Competent teams tend to keep those around. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, that appears to be the plan for Poles and the team brass. There is zero movement on the trade front.
"The Bears have not made calls on corner Jaylon Johnson, who is on teams' radars as a talented player in a contract year. He would garner strong interest if available, but my sense is the Bears have very little interest in making him so. Quality corners are hard to find, and Chicago has to figure out ways to win games."
Jaylon Johnson isn't perfect, but he's worth keeping.
It was the same situation with Cole Kmet. He hasn't transformed into the next George Kittle or Travis Kelce. However, the guy had a strong 2022 season with seven touchdown catches. He may never be a superstar, but he's a solid football player. The biggest enemy of progress is sacrificing good in the pursuit of perfect. It's the same situation with Johnson. You'd love it if he were giving you three or four interceptions every year. That hasn't been the case. It doesn't mean the Bears should cut him loose for a draft pick that, on average, likely would be anywhere close to the same value.
Chicago not entertaining a trade clearly indicates they feel an extension with Jaylon Johnson is possible. It comes down to how much money it will cost. Spotrac places his current market value at $7.7 million per year. That is just behind the Bills' Taron Johnson and ahead of Cincinnati's Chidobe Awuzie. He will likely seek more than that. How much more is uncertain. It may come down to how he finishes the season. There are 11 games left. If he can play well and even produce a few interceptions, that would increase his bargaining strength.
The Bears will have well north of $100 million in cap space next spring. So this deal can and should get done.
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