Ryan Poles Elaborates on the Chicago Bears' Position Regarding Jaylon Johnson
Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles provided insights on Wednesday about the team's negotiations with cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
The past week has seen a whirlwind of activity surrounding Johnson, who was allowed to pursue a trade on the day of the NFL Trade Deadline. Johnson was under the impression a deal would unfold that involved his departure from the Bears, but when the deadline came and went, he remained a part of the team.
Johnson has chosen to halt contract talks during the season, but Poles conveyed a strong desire to retain the cornerback during a press briefing at Halas Hall.
"We value Jaylon Johnson highly," Poles declared to the media. "Losing a player of Johnson's caliber would mean we'd need to secure a similarly impactful player, which, in draft terms, would translate to a late-first or early-second round pick."
According to Bears Wire from USA Today, Poles had a promising discussion with Johnson in Los Angeles over the weekend and came away feeling optimistic about an extension. Johnson's trade request came as a surprise to Poles, but the team's substantial trade demands imply they envision Johnson as an integral part of the defense going forward.
Despite the recent trade request from Johnson, Poles remains focused on keeping the cornerback as a long-term asset for the Bears.
The situation seems to be approaching a critical juncture with regard to the ongoing contract discussions between the Bears and Johnson.
Looking ahead, the logical progression would be for both parties to re-engage in contract talks during the off-season. As Johnson's free agency looms in March with the commencement of the new league year, he could become a potential franchise tag candidate should an agreement not be reached post-season.
Securing Johnson's signature should top Poles' agenda as the off-season begins. The Bears previously extended tight end Cole Kmet, a move that now contrasts with Johnson's situation, as Kmet hasn't quite lived up to expectations during his new contract term, whereas Johnson is on the trajectory to becoming one of the league's premier cornerbacks. The Bears are now faced with the delicate task of navigating their relationship with Johnson to prevent any long-term fallout.
| POLL | ||
2 NOVEMBRE | 53 ANSWERS Ryan Poles Elaborates on the Chicago Bears' Position Regarding Jaylon Johnson Should Jaylon Johnson re-sign with Chicago? | ||
| Yes | 36 | 67.9 % |
| No | 17 | 32.1 % |
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