Bears GM Hints at Long-Term Contract for Jaylon Johnson Without the Franchise Tag

The Chicago Bears are having a busy offseason. Star cornerback, Jaylon Johnson’s contract is set to expire within a few weeks. The General Manager Ryan Poles is looking for a long-term solution for his back line and not the franchise tag situation.

Considered being one of the best cornerbacks in the league at present. Johnson and the Bears could not finalize a deal. However, GM Poles hopes that won’t be the case going forward.

Jaylon Johnson for a long time with the Bears

Johnson was drafted by the Bears in the 2020 NFL Draft in the second round. His rookie contract of 4 years at $6.4 million is expiring soon. And GM Poles is interested in coming to terms with the 24-year-old without the utilization of the franchise tag.

“I’d like to avoid franchise tag for him (Johnson). I think there’s really good space for us to find a middle ground”, said GM Poles to the media. And with free agency soon approaching, the time isn’t on the side of the Bears. And the Chicago outfit might have to break the bank to land the Pro Bowler.

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The Bears already were projected to have one of the highest remaining cap space in the league. And with the $30 million increase for the 2024-25 season by the NFL. The Bears have enough to lock down Johnson for the long term. And the franchise tag isn’t completely out of the question as well.

The Bears are willing to do whatever it takes to have the CB

“Again, we always have the franchise tag to use”, said the 38-year-old GM Poles to the media. According to several reports, Johnson is looking for a deal around $17 million per year from the Bears. And GM Poles might be willing to do that!

And the GM will like to bank the franchise tag for some other player preferably and use the cap space for the CB. “But I really would like to get something long-term done with him (Johnson)”, said the GM.

Do you think the Bears will be able to sign Jaylon Johnson for the long term without the franchise tag? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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