Jaylon Johnson's goal is to become the cornerback with the highest salary in the league.
Apart from addressing the quarterback position and appointing an offensive coordinator, one of the most significant aspects of the Bears' offseason revolves around determining Jaylon Johnson's future with the team.
The Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro cornerback, coming off a career-defining season in his fourth year with the Bears, has provided insight into his approach to contract negotiations.
Johnson expressed his confidence, stating, "I believe the advantage is firmly in my court. Negotiations seem inevitable, and I don't anticipate much debate or discussion. I see no reason why I can't secure the title of the league's highest-paid cornerback. That's my objective, and I believe it's both attainable and deserved."
Currently, the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL is Denzel Ward of the Cleveland Browns, who signed a five-year contract worth $100 million, setting a new standard for the position. In terms of annual earnings, Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander leads the way with a four-year deal worth $84 million, paying him $21 million per season, which is $1 million more than Ward's deal.
If Jaylon Johnson surpasses his own expectations and becomes the highest-paid cornerback, it could entail a contract spanning four or five years with a total value exceeding $100 million. He may be eyeing a deal worth over $20 million per season, possibly around $22 million per year to establish a new benchmark for cornerbacks.
The trajectory of Johnson's contract negotiations has been fascinating to observe. Initially, when discussions commenced earlier in the season, he didn't intend to reset the cornerback market with his next contract. However, after an exceptional season that included four interceptions (compared to just one in his first three seasons) and the highest coverage rating among all cornerbacks according to Pro Football Focus, Johnson has revised his asking price.
Reflecting on his performance, Johnson remarked, "At the end of the day, it's about being realistic. After this season, I've showcased my ability to excel in coverage, create turnovers, and tackle at a high level. Realistically, there's nothing I can't do to justify top-tier compensation."
Now, Johnson is determined to set a new standard and secure top-dollar status in the league.
Where do the Bears fit into this picture? General manager Ryan Poles expressed unwavering commitment to retaining Johnson, emphasizing that negotiations are ongoing. Poles mentioned, "Jaylon isn't going anywhere, and we will work diligently to reach an agreement. We maintain excellent communication, and our plan is to resume discussions after taking a post-season break. I have great confidence in our ability to handle this situation effectively."
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