BREAKING NEWS: RAMS in a last minute pursue of 24-year Bears CB after he was given permission to seek a trade late Monday night

The Los Angeles Rams secondary struggled mightily against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, allowing 304 yards and four touchdowns to Dak Prescott and company. Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, both with PFF scores in the mid-50s (Kendrick – 55.4, Durant – 51.2), have taken the brunt of the criticism this year for Los Angeles’ lack of success in the defensive backfield. Kendrick was arrested on felony gun charges last week, and it remains to be seen whether the Rams will lose him to suspension at some point this season.

However, there is a chance for Los Angeles to add some depth, as the Chicago Bears’ 24-year-old corner Jaylon Johnson was granted permission to seek a trade late Monday night, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, after the two sides were unable to reach an agreement on a long-term contract extension.

Johnson is a gifted young cornerback who has a PFF rating of 84.4 this season. He has 15 tackles, two interceptions, and 11 receptions on 29 targets. When opposing quarterbacks target him, he only allows a 37.3 passer rating. He recently had a two-interception game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7.

It’s unusual for a talent of his caliber to be available in the middle of the season, and while Johnson may not be on the same level as Jalen Ramsey in his prime when the Rams made that trade in 2019, he does have a similar feel.

This year, Johnson’s base salary is only $2.9 million. The Rams currently have about $4 million in cap space, but will have more than $50 million after the season. This gives Los Angeles the ability to work out a long-term deal for the future, which is required if they are to acquire Johnson’s talents.

It’s expected that a mid-round pick, maybe even a second, would be required to acquire him, but it should be noted that the Bears would likely like to get something in return for Johnson, who would be free agent next season if not franchise tagged.

Some might argue, “Why wouldn’t LA just keep Ramsey then?” The difference is that Ramsey is almost 30 years old at this point and would expect a much larger contract that would keep him with the team well past his prime. Johnson, on the other hand, is six years younger, would most likely command less money per year, and would be a valuable player for the duration of the long-term contract given his age.

The Rams need help in the secondary, and Johnson could be that help, not just this season, but as a potential cornerstone in the defensive backfield for years to come.