The Chicago Bears appeared to shut the door on the possibility that All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson could be available for the Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL free agency at the end of the regular season. But on February 3, Johnson seemed to reopen that door.
“Heart’s definitely in Chicago, mind’s definitely on the money,” Johnson told NFL.com on February 3 at the Pro
bowl. We’ll see if we can persuade them both to cooperate and complete a task, I suppose.
“I’m excited to see what lies ahead.”
Since the NFL trade deadline, Johnson has been associated with the Steelers.
Prior to the league’s trade deadline, Johnson asked for a trade from Chicago, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN on October 31. In addition, Fowler stated that three clubs were negotiating a trade for the cornerback, including the Steelers.
Pro Football Focus listed the Steelers as one of four teams who could suit Johnson this summer in addition to the Bears on January 9.
Could CB Jaylon Johnson Fit With the Steelers?
The cliché “wanting your cake and eating it to” seems to fit the situation around Johnson this offseason. He appears to want to stay in Chicago, but Johnson also desires the Bears to make him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league.
Johnson conveyed those feelings with his contradictory message on February 3. He also said something similar before Christmas.
“I want to stay here,” Johnson told reporter
to finish this task (here) first. Ultimately, though, I have nothing against trying any alternative course of action if something doesn’t work out.
However, I wish I could remain here. That concludes the matter.
The Steelers, who desperately needed a cornerback, would be a prime suitor if he were to become a free agent. Johnson, who just finished his finest season ever in 2023, would improve Pittsburgh’s backup position next to Jay Porter Jr.
In 2023, Johnson recorded 36 total tackles, 10 pass defenses, and 4 interceptions. He made his second team All-Pro and his first Pro Bowl.
s on December 20, via AP News’ Andrew Seligman. “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.
“But I would love to stay here. So that’s that.”
If he reached free agency, the Steelers would be an obvious fit because of their need at cornerback. Johnson is coming off the best season of his career in 2023 and would immediately upgrade Pittsburgh’s secondary playing opposite Joey Porter Jr.
Johnson posted 36 combined tackles with 10 pass defenses and 4 interceptions in 2023. He made his first Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro.
Still Unlikely Johnson Reaches NFL Free Agency
Johnson can send all the conflicting messages he wants and imply he’s looking forward to free agency. But the Bears have leverage over his contract situation.
And Bears general manager Ryan Poles made it pretty clear Johnson will be staying in Chicago.
“Jaylon’s not going to go anywhere and we’ll work through it to get something done. . . . “We have really good communication,” Poles said on January 10, via NBC Sports Chicago’s Alex Shapiro. “The big thing was just kind of take a break here after the season and then we’ll start talks again. I feel really good about that situation.”
Even if the Bears don’t agree to a new contract with Johnson before the start of free agency, Chicago can keep the cornerback through the franchise tag.
The Bears want to apply the franchise tag to Johnson during the offseason, according to a report from Mike Jurecki of Arizona Football Daily on February 4.
The Bears will have to pay roughly $18.8 million on a one-year tender to place the tag on Johnson. Johnson and the Bears will then have until the middle of July to reach a decision on an extension.
Even yet, it’s unlikely that this will deter Steelers supporters from becoming giddy over the remote chance that Johnson will become a free agent and join with Pittsburgh.
