Jaylon Johnson has unquestionably been the Chicago Bears’ best player for the past two seasons. He was already a good player even from the moment he arrived in 2020. However, he has graduated to great player, becoming one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. One would think the organization is smart to continue building the defense around him. However, that isn’t the stance some in the media have taken. Given where the Bears are at right now, sitting at the bottom of the NFC once again, this might be as good a time as any to trade him.
John Jurkovic, or Jurko as he’s known on ESPN 1000, made the case during a radio segment. While he acknowledges Johnson is a good player, he feels the cornerback has checked out. He isn’t interested in playing hard anymore. It is better for both sides to get a fresh start. He goes to a new team, and the Bears get a solid return for what is now a two-time Pro Bowler in his prime.
If the Bears were to entertain it, they would have considerable leverage. Johnson is under contract through 2027. Any team acquiring him would have control for three years, all in his prime years. Having made his second Pro Bowl, they will also know they’re getting a premium asset. Players like that tend to go for a high price. Jalen Ramsey was 25 in 2019 and was traded to Los Angeles for two 1st round picks and a 4th round pick. That was despite not yet having a long-term contract. Johnson is also 25 and has more interceptions in a two-season span than Ramsey did at the time.
That feels like the correct ballpark if the Bears were to entertain it. Will they? Probably not. The only way it feels possible is through two avenues. Either Jaylon Johnson himself must ask for one, or a new general manager would come in and reach the conclusion such a move is necessary. Given how frustrated Johnson has been with the team’s direction, the former seems more plausible at this stage. In truth, Chicago likely hopes a new coaching staff can finally get things fixed.
