A key objective for the 2023 NFL season was just fulfilled by Jaylon Johnson. Johnson was honored for his outstanding year as a cornerback when the NFL announced his selection as a Second-Team All-Pro on Friday.
The selection to the NFL's All-Pro team is a tremendous achievement since it acknowledges the top players from every position in the league. As he searches for a new deal, Johnson made it clear during last season that this was one of his top priorities.
Johnson is deserving of the recognition for his leap in 2023. Although Johnson's reputation as a top-tier coverage corner has been well-established for some time, his output in terms of interceptions lagged behind until last season.
In 2023, though, all that changed as Johnson caused a fumble and intercepted four passes. Additionally, Johnson scored a touchdown on the return of one of those interceptions.
Keeping the standout cornerback on the team for the upcoming season is something the Bears have stated their intention to do.
"Jaylon's not going anywhere and we'll work through it to get something done," stated General Manager Ryan Poles during Wednesday's end-of-season news conference.
When it comes to 2024, Poles has two significant choices to keep Johnson in Chicago. First, he could extend Johnson's rookie contract, which is up for renewal in March with the start of the new league season. To extend Johnson's contract with the Poles by one more year, the franchise tag is another option.
If the predictions made by OverTheCap are correct, Johnson would pocket $18,410,000 from the franchise fee. Not only was Johnson honored with All-Pro status, but was also chosen to the Pro Bowl.