Jordan Schultz reports Bears, Jaylon Johnson ‘inching closer’ to an extension

Jordan Schultz reports Bears, Jaylon Johnson ‘inching closer’ to an extension originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

One of the major boxes the Bears must check this offseason is bringing back Jaylon Johnson.

Recently, NFL insider Jordan Schultz provided new, key insights into where the Bears and Johnson stand in their negotiations for an extension. Remember, those talks stalled during the season and the window to franchise tag players around the league is now open.

“It is my understanding that both sides have had really good talks, they are inching closer toward a potential deal,” Schultz said on a Bleacher Report live stream. “But make no mistake as well, if the Bears cannot find common ground with Jaylon Johnson, he too, like [Michael] Pittman, like [Tee] Higgns, like I believe will happen with Christian Wilkins, will get tagged.”

At the end of the season press conference, general manager Ryan Poles made his feelings about Johnson clear. He wants Johnson to come back to the Bears, no questions asked.

“Jaylon’s not going to go anywhere and we’ll work through it to get something done.”

Poles amplified that sentiment at the NFL combine, providing an update on their negotiations.

“Conversations are going well at this time,” Poles said on Tuesday. “We feel like we’ve done a really good job coming to the table strong and showing the respect that he’s due just in terms of his production through his career and really an emphasis on the turnovers he created this past year.

“Our expectation is that’s going to continue to go as he’s with the Bears.”

Johnson finished his best season to date last year, solidifying himself as one of the league’s top corners.

He finished the season with four interceptions, one touchdown, one forced fumble and 36 combined tackles. Most impressively, Johnson recorded the best coverage rate amongst cornerbacks, according to PFF. His opposing target completion rate finished at a blistering 55.2%.

There’s no question Johnson needs to…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/jordan-schultz-reports-bears-jaylon-232050457.html

Author : NBC Sports Chicago

Publish date : 2024-02-29 23:23:29

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