ESPNO Oct 31, 2023 9:29am ET1 minute read
The Chicago Bears have given cornerback Jaylon Johnson permission to pursue a trade before Tuesday’s deadline, a source tells ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Johnson recently requested a trade after failing to come close to agreeing to a new deal with the Bears last week, the source told Fowler.
Johnson is now one of the most talented players ever. Veteran defensive backs Kevin Byard and JC Jackson were traded earlier this season before Tuesday’s 4:00 p.m. ET deadline.
The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly among the teams in contact with Johnson, who is expected to become a free agent after this season.
If the last-place Bears (2-6) are unable to trade Johnson, they could use their franchise tag on him next year.
Johnson indicated in an interview with Chicago radio station 670 The Score last week that contract negotiations with the Bears need to be “kicked up,” but also acknowledged that “a lot of different things can happen” when asked about the possibility of a trade .
Johnson, 24, has 18 tackles, two interceptions and a forced fumble in six games this season, his fourth with the Bears. The 2020 second-round draft pick appeared in 45 career games with Chicago, recording 143 tackles and three interceptions.