Bears Suggested to Consider Trading Starting DB, 'Valuable Asset for Trades'
Bears Encouraged to Trade Key DB: 'Prime Asset for Deals'
Jaylon Johnson's rookie contract with the Chicago Bears is winding down, and several experts propose the idea of trading the starting cornerback before the NFL trade deadline on October 31, as opposed to renewing his contract.
Although a hamstring injury has kept Johnson off the field since Week 3, he's now back practicing, prepping for the Bears' Week 6 clash against the Minnesota Vikings.
Alex Ballentine from Bleacher Report termed the Bears' corner as a «prime trade asset,» a sentiment Kevin Patra from NFL.com shares.
«Jaylon Johnson presents an opportunity for a return that can bolster the team's long-term prospects,» Ballentine remarked on October 11. «His contract is up in 2024, and his future with the Bears remains uncertain. Numerous teams would benefit from having Johnson. At just 24, he's a prime candidate for a future contract. The Bears might be better off leveraging his current value.»
Jaylon Johnson's Statistics Might Undersell His WorthWith the Bears, Johnson's record stands at 134 tackles, 32 deflected passes, three forced fumbles, and one interception over 42 games. Having been a cornerstone in the Bears' defense since they drafted him 50th overall in 2020, his lack of interceptions is a noticeable gap. While this might affect his contract discussions since turnovers are a premium, Johnson's exceptional coverage skills mean that he is often sidestepped by quarterbacks.
PFF data indicates that in his 2,623 snaps with the Bears, Johnson has allowed only a 56.4% reception rate. This year, in 91 coverage snaps spanning three games, he has conceded merely five receptions from 12 attempts, amounting to 73 yards without any touchdowns. As the season concludes, he is poised to be a highly sought-after cornerback. The question is, will the Bears be the ones chasing him?
The Only Hiccup with Jaylon Johnson Has Been His HealthWhile Johnson's prowess on the field is undeniable, injuries have often sidelined him. A shoulder injury benched him for three games in his debut season, followed by two games the next year due to a fractured finger.
In 2022, finger and rib injuries kept him out for six games, and he's already missed two games this season. However, a comeback is on the horizon, which is crucial if he aims to highlight his worth in this crucial contract year.
«Given the league-wide demand for cornerbacks, if Johnson regains his form, he could emerge as a potential trade piece for Chicago. With rookie Terell Smith stepping up during Johnson's absence, it might ease the Bears into considering a deadline trade for Johnson,» noted Patra on October 11.
All eyes are on the Bears' GM, Ryan Poles. If a contract renewal for Johnson isn't in the cards, then leveraging his trade value seems the logical path.
| POLL | ||
12 OCTOBRE | 39 ANSWERS Bears Suggested to Consider Trading Starting DB, 'Valuable Asset for Trades' Should the Bears "tank" this season? | ||
| yes | 15 | 38.5 % |
| no | 24 | 61.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
