Bears working to extend Pro Bowl DB ahead of free agency

Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33)

The Bears will have several options to better their roster this offseason with the third most cap space ($80.4M) in the NFL.

First, they are focused on locking up one of their top defenders, however, before he hits the open market when free agency begins on March 13 at 4 p.m. ET.

“We’re in the process of getting Jaylon Johnson done. Conversations are going well at this time,” general manager Ryan Poles told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. “We feel like we’ve done a really good job of coming to the table strong, showing him the respect that he’s due in terms of his production in his career.”

Johnson, a second-round pick in 2020, certainly earned himself a big payday this season, posting 36 tackles, one forced fumble, four interceptions, 10 passes defended and one touchdown.

The 24-year-old was also Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded corner, only allowing 25 catches for 195 yards on 50 targets, and the 33.3 passer rating by quarterbacks when targeting him was the lowest among corners with at least 150 coverage snaps.

Locking up Johnson on a long-term deal is likely to prove costly, though, after he revealed he’s focused on taking full advantage of his first contract after his rookie deal.

“Heart’s definitely in Chicago, mind’s definitely on the money,” Johnson told NFL.com. “So, I mean, we’ll figure out if we can make them both come together and get something done. I’m looking forward to see what’s to come.”

According to Spotrac, Johnson is expected to receive a five-year, $78.71M contract ($15.7M per year) this offseason and it seems like the Bears will be the ones willing to give him the payday he’s looking for.

If that’s true, one of the top free agents will already be off the market before the other 31 teams even had a chance to talk with him. It’s certainly a smart move by Chicago if it can get the deal done.

Want more articles like this? Follow Yardbarker on MSN to see more of our exclusive NFL content.

More must-reads:

Trending slideshow: How hard is it to replace an NFL franchise QB? (Provided by Yardbarker)