When discussing Chicago Bears trade possibilities, most fans are thinking about player acquisitions. Discussions often center on pass rush help and the like. It’s not hard to understand why. This roster needs help. It doesn’t feel like they’re in a position to unload players they already have. Then again, it’s important to remember GM Ryan Poles has already proven that incorrect multiple times. His most recent example was sending Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens for 2nd and 5th round picks.
That is why it’s unwise to presume he won’t do it again. The question is whether there is another player on the roster who fits a similar description. One name that stands out is Jaylon Johnson. The warning signs are there. He’s in the final year of his rookie contract, he didn’t have an overly productive 2022, this regime didn’t draft him, and now he’s staying away from the OTAs. Johnson was one of two players absent from practices that didn’t have a health reason. Though the OTAs are voluntary, it was the first warning sign of somebody approaching a contract standoff.
The Chicago Bears don’t seem eager to extend him.
If anything, it feels more like they’re preparing for his eventual departure. They drafted Kyler Gordon in the 2nd round last year, which didn’t raise any alarms at the time. That changed in a big way when Poles added Tyrique Stevenson (2nd round) and Terell Smith (5th round) last month. Both are considered outside corners, which is the position Johnson plays. While the Bears may not have drafted them with the express intent of pushing him out of town, they now have insurance in the event he tries to press his case on the contract front.
Extending Johnson is something the Chicago Bears are open to. However, they aren’t going to be held hostage in negotiations. The 24-year-old doesn’t have much leverage. While his coverage skills were solid last year, this coaching staff grades more on turnovers and tackling. Johnson had zero interceptions last year and only 35 tackles. Gordon had three interceptions and 71 tackles. Throw in the fact that Cole Kmet and Darnell Mooney are also competing for extensions, and it feels like Johnson could be the odd man out.
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I waste a trade. On June 1st there will be a few players available to help the bears in 2023. why give away a draft pick? Bears are not going to any superbowl in 2023. So why bring in a player that only has a couple of years left. The bears are building thru the draft. If Ryan Pace was still here, he would give away the future draft picks to have something right now. We know how that worked out. Let the new organization do what they came to do…build a new team and one that has a chance… Read more »
I’m probably going to get some dislikes, but I don’t feel overly compelled to pay JJ, Kmet or Mooney just yet. They’re good players, but not good enough to overpay. I’d like to see a lot more from them this season before paying them the market value they’re most likely seeking. I actually like JJ, but it’d be nice if the guy got a takeaway or two every now and again. Kmet needs more splash plays like we saw glimpses of last year. Both he and Mooney should benefit from Moore’s presence and hopefully a motivated Claypool to really break… Read more »
Db for DE… seems like a zero-sum kind of deal. I think JJ will play out his contract. If he is willing to accept a deal that is in alignment with the ‘value’ Poles put on Dbs…he’ll be back. If he wants more… Pole’s is financially smart to see if one of the rookies can replace him. Also if the bear’s do as well as we are all hoping, this season (e.g. trending upward), if JJ is smart he will want to say. I read all the time about vet’s wanting to go to team’s that have a chance to… Read more »
oh geez yall really graspin for something. just cuz someone doesnt show up to OTAs means they dont want to be part of the team and they are getting traded. We dont know what the guy has goin on in his life. Hes a vet now u dont see nate davis getting this type of flack and he jus signed a FA contract. Ppl do this every year its nothing new. We just need to take a breathe and relax im sure he will be there for mandatory mini camp
JJ may very well be a trade piece if his contract becomes an issue. But, he is still under contract for this year, easy to see Poles simply refuse to extend him this season with the addition of Tyrique Stevenson (2nd round) and Terell Smith (5th round). Both have been receiving some healthy raves from writers, coaches and scouts. Keep JJ this season in a prove it type situation and allow these two rookies to gain valuable experience, then trade JJ if he fails to live up to his position.