Jaylon Johnson Explains His Absence From Bears' Off-Season Training Activities

Known for his outstanding on-field performances and his maturity off it, Johnson's presence in the Bears' outfit is particularly essential. This importance has only increased since the Bears drafted two new cornerbacks in the last NFL Draft.

Despite not participating in the initial OTAs, Johnson, Chicago's CB1, shared on ESPN's morning show, featuring Keyshawn Johnson, Jay Williams, and Max Kellerman, that he plans to attend the upcoming sessions at Halas Hall.

One cannot fault an athlete for choosing to prioritize family time over voluntary workouts. After all, there are things in life that hold greater importance than football, one of which is time spent with family. While it would have been great to see Johnson at the Bears' minicamp, his absence is not a cause for major concern.

Johnson's public commitment to attending the forthcoming OTA sessions comes as a relief. After all, his absence had set a few pulses racing!

Regarding Johnson's future, he shared his reflections on it, possibly as a public negotiation strategy. This wouldn't be the first instance of a player opting out of voluntary off-season team activities to strengthen their negotiation position. If indeed this is the case, Johnson seems to be managing a delicate balance, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the game to his teammates and bosses, while also expressing his interest in securing a new contract to extend his stay.

Johnson, when fit, is undoubtedly a valuable asset to the team's secondary, having proven his mettle in two different schemes. Although durability has been a matter of concern, a healthy 2023 season could help silence these criticisms. Stay tuned as we keep our eyes peeled for a full video replay of Johnson's interview and will update it here as soon as it becomes available.