Ryan Poles proved last year that he is not above trading good players if he feels it’s impossible to work out an extension he deems favorable to the franchise. Roquan Smith ended up heading to Baltimore for 2nd and 5th round picks, earning a lucrative new extension from the Ravens. Now it appears the same situation is unfolding again, this time with Jaylon Johnson. While the cornerback has indicated the two sides are talking about a contract extension, it was also apparent they weren’t close on numbers.
Things have since taken a drastic turn. According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Bears have granted Johnson permission to seek a trade. He has until Tuesday afternoon of the 31st to find a landing spot.
There are many factors playing into this. Johnson wants to get paid like a top corner. After his two-interception showing against Las Vegas, he feels his value has spiked. That is understandable. He has a case for being the best player on the Bears’ defense. That said, Poles has made two things clear. He won’t overpay for players he doesn’t feel have earned it, and he’s not afraid to unload Ryan Pace guys.
Unloading Jaylon Johnson is a risk.
Smith is thriving in Baltimore, which makes Bears fans unhappy. Watching another quality defender walk out the door wouldn’t be a popular move by Poles, especially given how unsuccessful the organization has been under his watch so far. Much of this comes down to what he can get in return. Cornerbacks are a valuable commodity. If Smith can fetch a 2nd round pick, there is no reason to think Johnson can’t. Part of this also might be the market. Rumors surfaced that San Francisco, Dallas, and Buffalo have expressed interest in him.
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When multiple teams get involved, that drives the price up. Maybe the Bears gave him the green light because they felt he’d fetch a solid return. Jaylon Johnson isn’t shifting their bottom line. They’re still 2-6 despite him playing well. In their minds, it might be best to net a draft pick or two and let somebody else pay him. If they do get a return similar to Smith, that would mean they’ll have two 1st and two 2nd round picks going into the 2024 draft. The next few hours will be fascinating.
