New Jaylon Johnson Comments Make His Contract Intentions Clear

After going through the exhausting Roquan Smith experience last year, it's easy to understand why some people were uneasy when Jaylon Johnson failed to show up during the first Organized Team Activities. They wondered if it was the early indications of a contract holdout. The cornerback enters the final year of his rookie deal. It turns out Johnson was absent due to charity and fatherly commitments. The Bears were notified in advance. He has since rejoined the team as practices became mandatory.

Still, people remain uncertain what Johnson's true intentions are on the contract front. He obviously wants a new deal, as anybody would. What isn't clear is how adamant he is about forcing the issue. Bears media asked him about it this past week. The cornerback shrugged it off. From his point of view, that is not something he's wasting his time worrying about. He still needs to hire an agent, something that will happen soon. Once that is done, he made it clear his primary goal is to stay in Chicago.

Jaylon Johnson still has lots to prove.

While the young Bears cornerback has the respect of several top NFL receivers, it's not reflected in his production. Johnson has one interception in three seasons. His coverage is always solid, but cornerbacks that get paid the big bucks are able to take the ball away. It is something heavily emphasized in Eberflus' defense. If Johnson wants to get paid like one of the best in the league, this is the year he must start turning those strong coverage moments into turnovers.

He's far more under the gun this year. Poles drafted not one but two cornerbacks this year. Tyrique Stevenson in the 2nd round and Terell Smith in the 5th. The Bears may feel like they now have reliable insurance if they're forced to let Jaylon Johnson walk next off-season. It is up to him to change that narrative. Poles has said many times he wants to reward in-house players. They have to earn it, though. If Johnson can get off to a fast start, he may have a contract waiting for him before the season ends.