The Chicago Bears kicked off the final week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) this week at Halas Hall, and there was a familiar face in attendance: cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Johnson missed the first two weeks of OTAs as he’s been in California spending time with his young daughter, as well as working on fundraisers for his non-profit, Kevvys Vision Project.
Last week, Johnson confirmed he’d be in attendance during the final week of OTAs ahead of mandatory minicamp next week. Now, the Bears defense has their top cornerback back on the practice field.
Strictly business 💼 pic.twitter.com/TbHf4HNX6Y
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 6, 2023
Johnson is entering a contract year with Chicago, where he made it clear he’d like to be with the Bears for the long term. He told NBC Sports Chicago back in February that he expected contract talks to “heat up” this offseason.
While Johnson doesn’t have that contract extension yet, he revealed he has a new mindset heading into the 2023 season.
“Honestly, for me, it used to be a lot of pressure,” Johnson said on ESPN Radio. “I would even say for me going into my third year, I felt like that was the year for me to put myself out there to be able to have a new contract, to be able to re-up. For me, it’s just about going out and being who I am. I know I can be a dominant corner. I am a dominant corner in this league, following No. 1 wide receivers and just finding ways to continue to do my job at a high rate, continue to be a better teammate, continue to find ways to win.”
