The Chicago Bears didn’t look like a team that is anywhere close to competing this year or even next year. It’s getting clearer by the day how long this rebuild could be. At 2-6, GM Ryan Poles has some decisions to make. One is whether he wants to unload any players at the trade deadline he may have no intention of bringing back. The man himself said he anticipates a quiet approach this year, but the rumors haven’t stopped. If there is one player the Bears have who might fetch a decent price, it’s cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
He is playing his best season in Chicago, notching two interceptions and playing excellent coverage. Good corners are hard to find. Recent reports suggest the Bears aren’t actively shopping him. They would prefer to work out a long-term extension as they did with Cole Kmet earlier this year. However, Johnson expects significant compensation. Both sides are talking, but progress is uncertain. Meanwhile, it appears several teams are making a push to get him. Insiders Michael Silver and Benjamin Allbright confirmed that San Francisco, Dallas, and Buffalo are all showing considerable interest in Johnson.
Jaylon Johnson will likely cost similar to what Roquan Smith did.
The former Bears linebacker went to Baltimore for 2nd and 5th round picks. Considering Johnson is 24 years old and playing some of his best football, it’s hardly unreasonable to have similar demands for him. That is especially the case since he plays a far more important position. Dallas and Buffalo both lost their star corners to season-ending injuries earlier this year. San Francisco ranks 18th in the league against the pass. It is hardly surprising those teams have interest. Whether any of them are willing to pay a high enough price is the central matter.
San Francisco is the best-equipped to swing a deal. They have six picks in the first four rounds and ten overall. It wouldn’t be a great loss to their coffers if they paid the Bears what they’re likely asking. Jaylon Johnson joining that defense could be a game-changer. On the flip side, Poles may wish to send the corner to the AFC, where Chicago won’t have to see him much. Still, it feels like the team wants to keep him. It will take a substantial push to change that.
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