Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson healthy and looking to regain Pro Bowl level
- On Saturday, August 1, 2026, Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson addressed the media at training camp, characterizing the 2026 season as a "contract year" where he aims to prove his continued value and earn a future extension.
- Johnson struggled through an injury-riddled 2025 season, missing 10 games due to a groin injury that required surgery and limited him to just 17 tackles and one interception.
- Feeling "night and day" healthier after a full offseason, Johnson noted he purposefully structured his $76 million extension to reach free agency at age 27, creating major financial incentive.
- Despite the offense's potential, Johnson emphasized that the defense has "a lot to prove" after finishing in bottom categories last year; players cannot rely solely on the offense.
- Johnson's contract structure allows the team to cut or trade him for salary cap savings after 2026, making this season critical as his deal expires after 2027.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Column: Healthy Chicago Bears CB Jaylon Johnson all set to bet himself in what is ‘definitely a contract year’
Jaylon Johnson was full of swagger Saturday when he declared 2026 a contract year as the cornerback pushes to regain elite form and get a big raise from the Chicago Bears.
Associated Press News
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson healthy and looking to regain Pro Bowl level
After a 2025 when two-time Bears Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson suffered through groin surgery and returned to play at less than 100%, the start to this training camp has been viewed as a chance to prove he is fully recovered.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson eyes next contract with Bears — or 'somewhere else'
<p>No one has been with the <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/bears" target="_blank" >Bears</a> longer than cornerback Jaylon Johnson.</p><p>That time may be coming to an end.</p><p>He planned it that way.</p><p>In May 2024, Johnson negotiated a four-year, $76 million deal that pays him $25 million — but with only a $9 million dead cap charge — in 2027. That makes him an attractive cut candidate after this season — and would all…
Chicago Bears training camp update: Jaylon Johnson feels ‘night and day’ after groin injury
After never truly feeling like himself for almost a year because of injuries, Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson said he feels much better as he's heading into what he considers a contract year. Plus more notes from the Bears' fourth training camp practice.
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