Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson requested a trade before the deadline earlier this year and then said he wasn't interested in talking about a contract extension if it didn't happen, but he has a different opinion on the matter since the 2023 season comes to an end.
Johnson is playing out the final year of the contract he signed as a 2020 second-round pick, and he's part of a defense that played well in the second half of the season. On Wednesday, Johnson expressed interest in being a part of that defense in 2024 and beyond.
“Honestly, that’s all I know,” Johnson said, via Josh Schrock of NBCSportsChicago.com. “I just couldn’t see myself anywhere else. It's easy to say, “Oh, you want to get out somewhere until you get it,” and then you think, “Ah, maybe that's not quite what I want.” But I would say for myself: I want to stay here and not make this transition now. I also feel like we're building something special, especially with the guys in the locker room. I don't think I can get it anywhere else. I would like to stay and continue to build and do better, and shit, I want to win some games and get to the playoffs and make a breakthrough with the Chicago name too.”
Johnson said he “added value” with his play this season – 31 tackles, four interceptions, 10 passes defensed and a forced fumble – so it doesn't sound like he plans on accepting anything the Bears put in front of him. That could bring the franchise tag into play if the Bears feel the same way about a future involving Johnson.