CB Jaylon Johnson has no intention of playing for another team in 2019.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears was given clearance to look for a trade over two months ago. He is now unwilling to leave the house.
While having a stellar year on the field, the gifted Bears cornerback’s contract situation has been all over the place this year. However, Johnson responded to his impending free agency in the strongest way to yet on Wednesday, and it appears that he is prepared to commit to the Bears in the long run—that is, if he receives a reasonable offer.
Following practice on Wednesday, Johnson gave reporters an update on his plans.
According to Chicago Sun-Times reporter Jason Lieser, Johnson stated, “I want to stay here.” “I’m not against any other choices, but I really want to finish something first. If that doesn’t work out. I wish I could remain here.
Bears wide receiver Jaylon Johnson says he wouldn’t be interested in exploring his options as a free agency if the organization gave him a strong offer in the coming months: “I’d like to remain here. I wish I could remain here.
It’s a welcome turn of events after a turbulent fall where Johnson seemed on his way out after he and the Bears were unable to agree to a contract extension prior to the NFL trade deadline. Trade talks were engaged, but nothing came to be, and Johnson remained on the team before exploding in production.
The fourth-year defensive back has been one of the best cover corners in the league this season but has stepped up his turnovers in recent weeks. Johnson has four interceptions this season, two of which have come in the last three weeks. He’s the No. 1 PFF-graded cornerback and has become a key leader on a rising defense that has generated at least three takeaways in their last four games.
The unit’s play as of late is something Johnson feels strongly about, and he wants to see it continue.
“I feel like we’re building something special, too, especially the guys in the locker room,” Johnson said via Adam Jahns of The Athletic. “It’s something that I don’t think I can get anywhere else. I would like to stay in that and continue to build, make it better.”
Although Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles still need to reach a consensus, this is encouraging news as the summer approaches. Johnson must stay a part of the Bears’ defense if they hope to keep it competitive for the foreseeable future.
