Chicago Bears CB Jaylon Johnson Opens Up on Contract Talks and His Stance Against Holding Out
Chicago Bears CB Jaylon Johnson Talks Contract Negotiations and Rejects Holdout Idea
The Bears made headlines recently with Cole Kmet's long-term deal, and now all eyes are on Jaylon Johnson, the shutdown cornerback playing on the last year of his rookie contract. Johnson has been vocal about his desire for an extension, and during a media address on Friday, he provided some insight into how negotiations are going.
While Johnson didn't delve into the specifics of the talks, he remains optimistic, saying, "God willing I can be a Chicago Bear and we figure out a deal to get something done here because that's what I want to do. We'll see what happens at the end of the day."
Earlier in the offseason, there were rumors of a potential holdout, but Johnson cleared the air, explaining that he had other commitments during the voluntary OTAs, like charity work with his foundation Kevvy's Vision and spending time with his daughter. He emphasized his focus on family and charity work, showing no intention of resorting to such tactics.
Instead of engaging in "hold-ins" or leveraging contract talks, Johnson is more interested in proving his worth on the field. While he's established himself as a top-flight cornerback in pass coverage, he recognizes the need to improve his takeaway numbers. Johnson has only recorded one interception, two forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery over three seasons, and he understands the Bears are looking for more production in that area.
Johnson believes his aggressive play and lack of lucky tipped passes have contributed to the low takeaway numbers, but he's committed to making the necessary adjustments. He's open to exploring different strategies, such as playing off-man coverage or improving his zone coverages to create more opportunities for takeaways.
The cornerback doesn't compare himself to players like Trevon Diggs, who recently secured a lucrative extension with the Cowboys. While Johnson recognizes Diggs' achievements, he knows they're in different "ballgames" when it comes to contract talks. However, Johnson remains confident in his abilities, stating, "I have All-Pro talent, for sure. I have Pro Bowl talent. I go out there and lock those guys up."
Although Johnson would prefer to have a deal done before the start of the season, he won't let contract negotiations distract him from the game. His focus is on winning, and he's excited to be part of a strong team. With his determination and skills, Johnson is poised to make a significant impact on the Bears' defense in the upcoming season.
| POLL | ||
28 JUILLET | 43 ANSWERS Chicago Bears CB Jaylon Johnson Opens Up on Contract Talks and His Stance Against Holding Out Should the Bears extend Jaylon Johnson? | ||
| Yes | 37 | 86 % |
| No | 6 | 14 % |
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