REPORT: Bears Secure Jaylon Johnson To Long-Term Extension

After applying the franchise tag, many wondered how long it might take for the Chicago Bears to finally lock up Jaylon Johnson to a long-term extension. As it turns out, not long at all. Only two days later, the two sides reached an agreement, according to multiple sources. Johnson is signing a four-year deal with the Beears for $76 million with $43.8 million guaranteed. That worked out to $19 million per year, good enough to be among the highest-paid corners in the league. It appears the Bears saved some cap space on those yearly numbers by making it up in guarantees.

This checks another big box for the Bears ahead of a pivotal off-season. By wrapping up Johnson, there are no lingering contracts to deal with ahead of free agency. GM Ryan Poles can now focus on other key positions of need and not feel sidetracked by this issue. Johnson was a star last season on defense, collecting four interceptions and making his first Pro Bowl. He wanted to be among the highest-paid corners in the league. Now he is. Meanwhile, the Bears didn't overpay and kept one of their core pieces in place.

The Bears fully utilized their wealth of cap on Jaylon Johnson.

Instead of a flat $19 million this year, Poles pushed it to $28 million. He is taking advantage of the Bears' healthy cap situation while giving them flexibility as the contract ages. His cap numbers will be $16 million in years two, three, and four. Highly affordable for a top-of-the-line cornerback. Poles has always said it is vital to maintain flexibility every year because you never know when opportunities for an aggressive move might come up. It is what he learned in Kansas City.

Chicago still has enough cap space to make another bold move in free agency if they wish. They still have needs at safety, edge rusher, and defensive tackle. Then again, Poles may wish to focus that remaining money on the offensive side of the ball, hoping to bolster the roster in preparation for a new quarterback. Either way, Jaylon Johnson should be happy. He got his money and should be set for life. Now, he can focus on the next phase of his journey. A push toward a Super Bowl.