Bears Franchise Tag
News

Bears Place Franchise Tag on Jaylon Johnson, Leave Door Open for All-Pro’s Exit

The Chicago Bears just bought themselves more time, placing the franchise tag on All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

Poised to be one of the premier free agents on the market, and arguably its top defender, Johnson won’t be going anywhere without the Bears’ say.

“Bears are placing their franchise tag on CB Jaylon Johnson, who the team still is working to re-sign to a long-term deal, per sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on X, formerly Twitter on March 5. “Johnson’s franchise tag number is $19.8 million.”

Johnson, the No. 50 overall pick in 2020, doesn’t turn 25 years old until April.

He is coming off of what was easily his best season as a pro, intercepting a career-high four passes and taking one back for his first career touchdown.

He also allowed a career-best 55.2% of the passes thrown his way, per Pro Football Reference.

Bears’ Jaylon Johnson Free to Negotiate a Contract With Other Teams

The deadline to apply the tag was March 5, so the Bears joined the litany of teams making similar hedges. It was unclear whether or not the Bears placed the exclusive or non-exclusive rights version, but the team set the record straight.

The difference is that Johnson can negotiate a contract with other teams on the non-exclusive tag, similar to restricted free agency in the NBA. Chicago retains the right to match any offer Johnson agreed to in this scenario. But they could also let him leave, recouping draft compensation — two first-round picks — in return.

It is important to note the two sides are continuing to work towards a long-term extension, even if the situation is not over.

Their trade of a fifth-round for Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Ryan Bates left them with five picks in this year’s draft. None of their picks are after the fourth round, the parts of the draft that often produce the depth and special teams portions of the roster.

The Bears have found the likes of Darnell Mooney, Khalil Herbert, Braxton Jones, and Terell Smith – just to name a few – in those later rounds in recent years.

Johnson is the first Bear to receive the tag since Allen Robinson in 2021.

Jaylon Johnson’s Negotiations Take Center Stage Again

Johnson’s negotiations became very public last offseason when he remained away from the team, though that was for family reasons. He also requested a trade this past season ahead of the deadline. General Manager Ryan Poles has maintained that they have solid communication and that he was confident the two sides could get a deal done with the defensive star.

There is no question about Johnson’s value in the locker room.

Johnson has until July 15 to sign his tender. Poles now has until the Tuesday after Week 10 to sign Johnson to a new contract or let the corner play out the season on his one-year deal. That just puts the Bears right back in this position for the following offseason, though, adding motivation to finalize something one way or the other.

Justin Jones Reacts to Bears Placing Franchise Tag on Jaylon Johnson

It’s not going unnoticed in the Bears locker room that players are being rewarded for their performance, a far cry from the feeling just a few years ago.

Poles has given new contracts to several players, including Cole Kmet, Montez Sweat, and Tremaine Edmunds among others in the last couple of years, either via extension or in free agency. It’s the former that likely rings loudest in the locker room, though.

Teammate Justin Jones certainly seemed to appreciate the news.

Jones’ situation is one to watch. He has quickly established himself as a leader on a resurgent defense after joining the team in the wake of Larry Ogunjobi’s failed physical. Jones is now set to hit free agency this offseason and is looking for a new contract.

He told Clocker Sports that he would like to return. But he also said that he knows it’s a business and will let things play out as they may.