Bears ink Jaylon Johnson to 4-year deal worth reported $76M

The Chicago Bears signed cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a four-year extension, the team announced Thursday.

Johnson's deal is worth $76 million with $54.4 million guaranteed, sources told Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.

Chicago placed the franchise tag on Johnson earlier this week. The new contract will make him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league.

Johnson had a tremendous 2023 campaign with the Bears, securing his first second-team All-Pro selection. The 24-year-old allowed only 25 catches for 195 yards in coverage, according to PFF, while racking up four interceptions and 10 passes defended.

The Utah product requested a trade before the Oct. 31 deadline after contract negotiations came to a standstill. However, Johnson made it clear his desire was to remain with the Bears.

"I want to stay here," Johnson said in December. "I definitely want to get something done (here) first. But at the end of the day, if something doesn't get done, then I'm not opposed to any other options."

Chicago has now locked up three young defensive pieces in the last calendar year. The club signed linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year, $72-million deal last offseason.

Shortly after acquiring edge rusher Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders at the trade deadline, general manager Ryan Poles signed him to a four-year, $98-million extension.

The Bears selected Johnson in the second round of the 2020 draft. In 53 career contests, he has 49 passes defended and five interceptions.

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