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General manager Ryan Poles of the Chicago Bears.
Jaylon Johnson finally got paid in 2024 — but in today’s NFL cornerback market, his four-year, $76 million deal is already starting to look like a bargain.
After back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2023 and 2024, the Chicago Bears’ top cornerback is entering his sixth year in the league. He and the rest of the Bears defense will be getting a perceived boost from new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who promises to put Johnson and his fellow CBs in more one-on-one coverage situations. That should benefit him.
In a July 16 appearance on “The Rich Eisen Show,” guest host Seth Rollins asked Johnson a simple question: How’s your offseason been going?
Johnson first spoke about the move his family made recently, but it’s clear he has had a close eye on the way top CBs Sauce Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. have reset the market with $30 million-per-year megadeals, because he mentioned the idea of a contract extension unprovoked.
Jaylon Johnson: Bears & I May Have to Have ‘Another Discussion’ About New Contract Extension
GettyChicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson says a negotiation for another contract extension may be coming.
“Yeah, I’m feeling good,” Johnson began after Rollins asked about his offseason. “I’m out in Vegas. It’s my first full offseason out here in Vegas. Bought a house out here. Moved my family out here. … I’m looking forward to it. And then, too, just seeing a lot of the other corners getting paid — I almost feel like we might have another discussion coming up here soon.”
The All-Pro corner didn’t stop there.
“The market is moving, the market is moving. As long as I just keep being myself, keep playing at a high level, definitely going to have to be some more conversations coming up soon and really keep it long term. So, I’m looking forward to that,” he added.
In 2023, Johnson solidified himself as a top-tier cornerback in the league. He finished with 36 tackles, a forced fumble, 10 pass deflections, four interceptions and a touchdown in 14 starts. His performance earned him a Pro Bowl nod, second-team All-Pro honors and a career-high 90.1 PFF grade (that ranked second among 229 qualifying CBs).
Building off that momentum, the 26-year-old DB continued his strong play in 2024. He started all 17 games, finishing with 53 total tackles (seven for loss, a career high), eight pass breakups and two interceptions.
Now, heading into 2025, he’s healthy and has a new DC who should utilize him well. It’s fair to be excited about what the future could bring.
A Look at the Current CBs Market in the NFL After Recent Extensions
In March 2024, Johnson inked a four-year, $76 million deal with $51.4 million guaranteed and a $20 million signing bonus. The Bears locked him in through 2027, providing stability and reward for his continued improvement.
While his $19 million annual salary is nothing to shake a stick at, the landscape of cornerback contracts has surged in 2025, placing Johnson’s deal below several of his peers. He’s currently ranked 13th in annual salary. He is fifth overall in guaranteed money with $43.8 million, but 14th in overall contract value.
The Jets extended Gardner for $120.4 million over four years ( $30.1 million/year), making him the highest‑paid CB of all-time. Shortly after, the Texans signed Stingley to a three-year, $90 million extension—he’s also at $30 million per year.
Jaycee Horn of the Panthers also signed a four-year, $100 million deal ($25 million/year), while the Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II inked a $96 million deal over four years ($24 million/year). Even less-skilled CBs like A.J. Terrell, Tyson Campbell and L’Jarius Sneed are netting $19–20 million annually.
