Few players on the Chicago Bears‘ roster are more motivated going into the 2026 season than Jaylon Johnson. The cornerback has good reasons to be. He is still frustrated with how last year went. After back-to-back Pro Bowls, it looked like Johnson was putting himself into the conversation of the NFL’s best. Instead, two nasty injuries drastically slowed him down. He missed half the season and didn’t look like himself when he finally returned. It was a frustrating experience that Johnson has every intention of rectifying.
Another part is money. He has two years left on his contract, but at age 27 knows this is probably his last chance to get one more big extension. So he’s treating 2026 like a contract year. He must play his best football to ensure the Bears work to keep him around into his 30s.
The last part is anticipation of the matchups he’ll get this season. Johnson has always been a competitor. He wants to measure himself against the best. That is why he told First Things First that he’s eagerly awaiting a matchup with Seattle Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba. However, there might be one other that he’s anticipating even more.
Jaylon Johnson finally gets to face D.J. Moore for real.
Remember, these two competed against each other for years in practice. The battles were fierce and relentless. It likely bred a mixture of respect and rivalry between the two. Yet Johnson probably always wondered what would happen if the gloves ever came off. In other words, how would they measure up in an actual game against each other? He doesn’t have to wonder any longer. The Bears will visit the Buffalo Bills on December 19th for a primetime matchup.
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Facing Moore on a national stage? Jaylon Johnson couldn’t ask for a better setup. There is a good chance that game will mean something for the Bears, chasing down another playoff spot. While the Bills might not be an NFC rival, it will be a great measuring stick. That team is widely considered a Super Bowl contender. Beating them in their own building would be a great way to make a statement. Shutting down Moore would certainly be one for Johnson on top of that.
Are there bad feelings involved?
Mentioning Moore as he did makes you wonder if Johnson has more personal reasons for circling that matchup. Does the cornerback blame the receiver for that final play against the Los Angeles Rams, running the wrong route that resulted in Caleb Williams throwing the interception? Does he believe Moore never fully bought into the young quarterback despite those heroic catches against Green Bay? There is no way to know. It’s all speculation. What we do know is that Johnson plans to bring his best against his former teammate four months from now.
A strong performance could prove crucial to helping the Bears win. It might also be the final jewel in the crown of what will hopefully be a comeback season. Chicago never wanted to trade Moore. They loved what he brought to the team. Unfortunately, business got in the way. They didn’t have the cap space to keep him anymore. Even so, they did the receiver a huge favor by sending him to a proven team with a star quarterback. There should be no hard feelings.
