Jaylon Johnson, a former cornerback for the Utah Utes and currently playing for the Chicago Bears, has formally expressed his desire to be traded from the Bears in advance of the 2023 NFL trade deadline.
This request was confirmed by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler on Monday, October 30, with the league’s trade deadline set for October 31 at 2 p.m. MDT.
Reportedly, the decision to seek a trade followed unsuccessful contract negotiations between Johnson and the Bears, despite both parties attempting to reach an agreement on a new contract just last week. As a result, Johnson, a talented cornerback, is now available for potential trade.
#Bears corner Jaylon Johnson has requested a trade, per source. Chicago granted permission to search for a new home before today’s trade deadline. The player and team negotiated a new contract last week but couldn’t come close to a deal. So, a talented corner is now available. pic.twitter.com/XCU5EsZqF2
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 31, 2023
Notably, Johnson is currently in the final year of his rookie contract, and the Bears have not extended his contract for the 2024 season. This situation has become a priority for the Bears, especially in light of their recent contract extension for tight end Cole Kmet.
Bears’ General Manager Ryan Poles expressed the team’s interest in keeping Johnson as a long-term player, much like Kmet. He emphasized their positive relationship and Johnson’s performance on the field, highlighting his potential for growth and improvement.
In response to these comments, Johnson stated that he believes he still has much to prove and expressed a strong commitment to continuing to play in the 2023 season rather than sitting out. He sees his contract situation as a matter of waiting for the right opportunity to materialize.
In the current season, Johnson has delivered notable statistics, including 18 total tackles, 15 solo tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions, four pass breakups, and one touchdown.
The Chicago Bears currently hold a 2-6 record and occupy the last place in the NFC North division. Their next game is scheduled to be on the road against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, November 5 at 11 a.m. MDT, airing on CBS and NFL Sunday Ticket.
Jaylon Johnson’s journey to the NFL began at the University of Utah, where he played from 2017 to 2019. During his college career, he accumulated 102 total tackles, 88 solo tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack, seven interceptions, and 28 pass breakups across 39 games. He earned First-team All-Pac 12 honors in 2018 and 2019.
Following his college career, Johnson was selected as the 50th overall pick by the Chicago Bears in the 2020 NFL Draft. Throughout his four seasons in the NFL, he has notched 143 total tackles, 114 solo tackles, three forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, three interceptions, 35 pass breakups, and one touchdown in 45 games played.”
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