The Chicago Bears and star cornerback Jaylon Johnson have agreed to a four-year, $76 million contract that includes $54 million in guaranteed money, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler.
The deal includes $43.8 million at signing and Johnson is set to make $28 million in the first year of his deal.
The deal comes a few days after the Bears placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Johnson. During the NFL Combine, Bears general Manager Ryan Poles was confident the two sides would reach a long-term deal.
The deal with Johnson is Poles’ third huge contract since taking over as the Bears general manager. Last year, the Bears signed linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million contract and during the trade deadline, the Bears acquired Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders and proceed to sign him to a four-year $98 million deal.
Johnson, who turns 25 in April, was named second-team All-Pro and earned Pro Bowl honors last season when he produced a career-high four interceptions (including a pick-six), 10 passes defended, one forced fumble and 36 tackles.
The Bears have the No. 1 and No. 9 overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. The are expected to use the first pick on USC quarterback Caleb Williams while the No. 9 pick could be used on another defensive player or an offensive weapon or tackle.
Either way, the Bears are loaded with assets as they try to rebuild this broken franchise.
