Jaylon Johnson returns to Bears’ practice field for final round OTAs

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson wants a new contract. He deserves one, too. But it’s become clear that GM Ryan Poles will treat 2023 as a prove-it year for the four-year starter, who many consider one of the top young players at his position in the NFC.

Anytime a player is in Johnson’s situation — entering the final year of his rookie deal — holdouts are possible. A newer trend is a hold-in, where guys report to mandatory activities to avoid fines (they don’t participate in on-field work). Johnson’s absence from the Chicago Bears’ first two rounds of offseason team activities (OTAs) sparked debate about a potential holdout (or hold-in) for Johnson this summer. But that rumor was squashed by Johnson, who said his failure to appear was because he was spending time with his daughter in California.

Still, doubters questioned whether Johnson would show up at all before training camp — or even for training camp.

The Bears did their part to end any question about Jaylon Johnson’s status when they shared an image of him on the practice field for OTAs Tuesday.

Strictly business pic.twitter.com/TbHf4HNX6Y

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) June 6, 2023

Johnson (bottom left) is back.

This is great news for a Bears secondary that will field two young players in the starting lineup. Cornerbacks Kyler Gordon (second season) and Tyrique Stevenson (rookie) will rely on Johnson’s mentorship in 2023. Having him physically present during practices will expedite their learning curve and maximize their potential this year.