The Chicago Bears missed the Jaylon Johnson of old in 2025. The two-time Pro Bowler and former second-round draft pick played in seven games during the 2025 regular season, starting six of them.
He also started both of the Bears’ playoff games
Johnson still made plays, but availability is the most important ability, which remains the lingering issue about the veteran.
Bears Jaylon Johnson Draws Attention Ahead of Potentially Critical Season.
Jaylon Johnson Gets ‘Honorable Mention’ Before Bears Training Camp
The Bears selected Johnson in the second round, using the 50th overall pick of the 2020 draft on the corner out of Utah. However, Johnson has played in 77 out of a possible 118 regular-season contests since entering the league.
Johnson also missed the Bears’ first postseason run during his tenure, back during his rookie campaign. That reality looms large for an undeniable talent.
Johnson earned an “honorable mention” in a poll of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts.
“Time on task has been an issue,” an unnamed “NFL personnel evaluator” said, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on July 7. “He missed a lot of camp and game action. But he’s young (27), so he should be able to get back to his top form. He’s got juice when he’s full tilt.”
Johnson’s played in all 17 games in 2024. But that stands as his only full regular-season slate in his career so far.
He has seen his statistical production slip over the past two seasons.
Johnson ranks 117th in completion percentage allowed (t-67.9%) among all players to face at least 78 targets over the past two seasons, per Stathead. He checked in behind teammates Tyrique Stevenson, Jaylon Jones, and former Bears safety Kevin Byard. However, Johnson tied for the eighth-best (i.e., lowest) mark at 57.5% over the previous four seasons.
The question the Bears face, in addition to availability, is which version of Johnson will they get during the 2026 season.
Jaylon Johnson Made Statement During Offseason Program
Johnson was a source of intrigue ahead of the Bears’ organized team activities earlier this offseason. Bears cornerbacks coach Al Harris suggested Johnson had not been with the team during what was a voluntary portion of the calendar.
Johnson responded to the questions around his availability by showing up for the entire portion of the Bears’ program that was open to the media.
It was a strong first impression in what figures to be a critical season for Johnson.
He is signed through the 2027 season on a four-year, $76 million contract. That is an undeniable bargain in the current market, which is something Johnson is well aware of. However, there is also no guaranteed money in the final year of his current pact.
Per Over The Cap, the Bears can cut Johnson–who requested a trade before getting his current deal–in 2027 with a post-June 1 designation and save $16 million with $9 million in dead money.
The Bears’ financial situation will make it a conversation unless Johnson proves otherwise.
