With the Market Booming, Is This Bears Shutdown Cornerback Next Up?
The cornerback market is currently reaching an all-time high in terms of value. This has become abundantly clear with the record-breaking extension of the New York Jets’ 24-year-old corner, Sauce Gardner. This extension is sure to cause a ripple effect around the league. One example is the Chicago Bears and their 26-year-old lockdown corner, Jaylon Johnson. The record amount of money has Johnson reevaluating his deal. As he said in an interview on the Rich Eisen Show, “Really just seeing a lot of the other corners getting paid, I almost feel like we might have another discussion coming up here soon”. The question for the Bears now becomes: What is the next step?
Unfortunately, this is not the first time the Bears have had contract disputes with Johnson. Last offseason, with his rookie contract expiring, the franchise tag was used. This was followed by months of negotiation, which finally ended with a four-year, $76 million extension. This contract was originally among some of the higher deals of the position at the time. However, when compared to new deals such as Gardner’s four-year, $120.4 million deal, Johnson may be getting less than he is worth.
Fans and the front office know what they are getting with Johnson, as he is a two-time Pro Bowler. This past year, in 17 games, he recorded two interceptions, and when he was targeted a total of 56 times, he allowed a 66.1% completion percentage. On those completions, he allowed 517 yards and two touchdowns. For comparison, in 15 games on 58 targets, Gardner allowed a 56.9% completion percentage. On those completions, he allowed 541 yards, one touchdown, and recorded one interception.
It isn’t just this past season for Johnson, as his career averages are fairly similar. Over his five-year career, Johnson has played in a total of 70 games, showcasing his health. On an average 17-game per season basis, he has faced 76.5 targets, allowing only a 59% completion percentage. On those catches, he has allowed 608.6 yards, 3,6 touchdowns, and recorded just under two interceptions a game. When looking solely at his last two Pro Bowl years, his numbers are even more elite. In terms of his playing level, Johnson may just be entering his level of elite play.
The stats are not the only things that define Johnson. With Dennis Allen calling the shots on defense now, there is more optimism around the team. This includes improvements at all positions, which in turn should help boost Johnson's play. In addition to his elite play, Johnson is also seen as a leader of this defense. In particular, he leads the talented and dangerous secondary. While this could potentially mean a massive contract, the Bears may not have much of a choice in order to keep this talented leader satisfied on the team.
