The Chicago Bears have a busy offseason ahead of them with a massive decision to make in terms of what to do with the No. 1 overall pick.
After today, they have one less thing to worry about, as they have decided to keep one of the most important members of the defense in the Windy City.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that the Bears are using the franchise tag on cornerback Jaylon Johnson for $19.8 million.
The #Bears are placing the franchise tag on star CB Jaylon Johnson, and that tag number is $19.8M for one season. GM Ryan Poles said at the Combine that they are in the process of getting a deal done. “Conversations are going well at this time.”
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2024
According to Rapoport, GM Ryan Poles said at the NFL Combine that the two parties are also working on getting a long-term deal done, and this franchise tag will now give them more time to do so.
The 24-year-old is coming off a breakout season that saw him post four interceptions, ten pass deflections, and a forced fumble.
Johnson was named a second-team All-Pro selection and made his first Pro Bowl as well.
Surprisingly, this is the first time the Bears have used the franchise tag since 2021 when they tagged Allen Robinson.
The fact that the Bears and Johnson are working towards a long-term deal is a notable change from last offseason when Johnson did not receive the contract extension he was looking for and opted to request a trade.
The Bears currently have around $57.5 million in cap space according to Spotrac, and head into an exciting offseason with the No. 1 and No. 9 picks in the upcoming NFL Draft as well.
Keeping Johnson as part of a young foundation bodes well for the future.
The question now is just how much money will Johnson command in his contract extension.
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