While the spotlight has been on what the Chicago Bears will do with the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, with many predicting they will select Caleb Williams, the Bears must also make a choice on cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
The Bears have until March 5 to decide whether to use the franchise tag on their Pro Bowl cornerback. The NFL revealed on Friday that the 2024 salary cap will be set at $255.4 million, leaving the Bears with slightly more than $80 million in cap room this offseason.
The Bears’ recent decision to release safety Eddie Jackson and senior offensive tackle created around $30MM in cap room for the organization, clearing the path for a possible contract extension for Johnson.
In response to a fan on X who claimed that the Bears need Cubs’ executive Jed Hoyer to intervene in and get a deal done with Johnson, NFL salary cap insider for Pro Football Focus. Brad Spielberger was confident that Johnson’s deal would be completed this offseason.
While it may be tempting to postpone paying Johnson on a long-term contract for another season, the Bears would like to have long-term cost stability this offseason. If the Bears do indeed choose Caleb Williams and reset the quarterback clock, Johnson’s deal will only increase their flexibility over the following four seasons.
The process of extending Johnson’s contract follows a model used in similar instances throughout the NFL. It’s the same scenario that would have unfolded with Roquan Smith before the negotiations became personal. Ryan Poles has clearly learnt from his mistakes, as evidenced by the progress made in contract negotiations with Johnson.
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