Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has made his intentions clear for the upcoming season. Following a challenging 2025 campaign marked by injury and limited playing time, Johnson is now focused on demonstrating his elite skills on the field to justify a new, high-value contract. Speaking to reporters at Halas Hall during training camp, Johnson emphasized, 'This is definitely a contract year for me.' The two-time Pro Bowl selection is determined to return to his previous form, having played at an elite level during his standout seasons in 2023 and 2024.
Johnson's path to a new deal
Johnson’s 2025 season was anything but smooth. He missed the first nine weeks of the year due to a groin injury that required core muscle surgery. When he finally returned, it was during the playoffs, where he made one interception, two pass deflections, and recorded 17 tackles across the regular season. He added two more pass breakups in the postseason. However, the journey back to the field was far from easy. Johnson admitted that he had to rely on pain medication and numbing shots to stay active, acknowledging the toll it took on his body. 'The only time I wasn’t in pain playing was probably the Rams maybe the first playoff game,' Johnson said, reflecting on his limited ability to perform at his best.
Now, with a full offseason to focus on recovery and strengthening his core, Johnson is optimistic he can reclaim the form that made him one of the top corners in the league. He has also introduced Pilates into his fitness routine, a strategic move he believes will not only aid in his recovery but also enhance his in-game performance. 'I feel like people know that,' Johnson said, expressing his conviction that his efforts to return to peak performance are evident to those who follow him.
The Bears' defensive needs
If Johnson can return to his 2023 and 2024 dominance, he would solidify his position as one of the most critical players for the Bears’ defense. Defensive end Montez Sweat would likely be considered the most important defensive player, with Johnson slotting in behind him.
Johnson’s return to full practice wasn’t immediate. He missed part of the voluntary offseason program due to his wedding in the spring, but he arrived in time for OTAs and quickly made an impression. During minicamp, he recorded two interceptions, showcasing his instinct and coverage skills. In practices so far this year, he’s demonstrated fluidity and focus, with one notable moment being a deflection of a pass thrown by rookie quarterback Caleb Williams to wide receiver Zavion Thomas during an in-breaking route in 11-on-11 drills on Saturday. His approach this season seems to be about building consistency and earning trust from his teammates, a mindset that aligns with the team’s broader goal of improving defense.
The contract context
The Bears previously committed to Johnson's talent in 2024, signing him to a four-year, $76 million extension after placing the franchise tag on him. That deal came before the setbacks and injuries of the 2025 season. With the NFL salary cap continuing to rise and the market for elite cornerbacks evolving, Johnson sees the current season as an opportunity to prove his worth and negotiate a new deal that reflects his value. He stressed that his primary motivation is not financial but rather to contribute to the Bears and to show that he is still a top-tier corner.
Johnson made it clear that he could have chosen not to play in 2025 given his injury status. 'I could have sat on my ass,' he said, but he felt a sense of responsibility to help the team achieve success. Now, he’s focused on demonstrating that he can be even better than the player the Bears signed to that lucrative extension. Johnson was drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Utah. After three years with the Bears, he made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2024. The 2025 season was a down year for him, as he sustained a groin injury that knocked him out until Week 13 against the Philadelphia Eagles. With Johnson back for another season with the Bears, he is ready for a bounce-back year. During his training camp remarks, Johnson noted that the Bears' offense has improved significantly, calling it the best he's seen in his seven-year career. The Bears' offense has evolved from being 25th-ranked in rushing in 2020 to third in rushing in 2025, with significant improvement in points per game and passing efficiency under new head coach. With the Bears' offense returning nearly all of its key starters, Johnson appreciates being part of a team that can put up points and ease the burden on the defense.