After the Chicago Bears signed tight end Cole Kmet to a contract extension earlier this week, there were questions about who could be next from what’s turned out to be an impactful 2020 draft class.
Cornerback Jaylon Johnson could certainly be that guy, and he’s made it known that he’d prefer to stay in Chicago.
While Johnson’s agent and the Bears work on contract negotiations, the fourth-year cornerback understands he still has plenty to prove when it comes to earning a new deal, especially in terms of his resume.
“My accolades and my ability don’t match up,” Johnson said. “I mean, I definitely have All-Pro talent, for sure Pro Bowl talent. I go out there and lock those guys up.
“I’m a reality guy. I can look at the All-Pro list and I’m not on there. I still believe in myself 100%.”
There are some players in Johnson’s position who would elect to holdout before getting a new deal in place. But Johnson isn’t going to let it serve as a distraction.
“I want the deal done as soon as possible, but I’m not going to get caught up in it,” Johnson said. “I want to win, and I know accolades come with winning. It’s not too often you just go out here and don’t win games and you get all those accolades. I’m really worried about winning and doing my part and playing at a high level, and I feel like everybody will reap the benefits from it.”
While Johnson would prefer to have a contract extension done, he’s comfortable playing the 2023 season without a new deal.
