Bears Place Franchise Tag on CB Jaylon Johnson

The Chicago Bears have placed the franchise tag on star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.

The #Bears are placing the franchise tag on star CB Jaylon Johnson, and that tag number is $19.8M for one season. GM Ryan Poles said at the Combine that they are in the process of getting a deal done. “Conversations are going well at this time.”

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2024

The franchise tag is a tool of last resort for teams that otherwise can’t reach a long-term deal with a soon-to-be free agent, but all indications are that the Bears and Johnson are still working toward a multi-year contract.

Johnson had a career year in 2023. He finished the season with four interceptions after having just one in his first three years. Johnson established himself as one of the top cornerbacks in the NFC, answering any questions about his ability to make plays on the ball, finishing with the highest Pro Football Focus grade of all cornerbacks last year.

It’s a non-exclusive franchise tag for Jaylon Johnson, per source. Other teams can negotiate but the Bears have the right to match any offer. If they don’t, they would get two first round picks.

Ryan Poles spoke confidently about where negotiations were at between the Bears and…

— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) March 5, 2024

Jaylon Johnson’s franchise tag will cost the Chicago Bears $19.8 million in 2024 if a long-term deal can’t be reached.

General manager Ryan Poles has consistently said throughout the offseason that re-signing Johnson is one of his top priorities. The Bears have until mid-July to get a deal done or Johnson will be forced to play the 2024 season on a one-year deal.