Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson said he’d like a contract extension as soon as possible, but he’s comfortable with the possibility of playing this season without one.
“No question,” he said after practice Friday.
He added, “The way I see it, I’ve still got a lot to earn. I still have a lot to prove. It’s not like I’m this person who has been first-team All-Pro three years in a row... I’ve definitely gotta do my part better and I’m coming out here each and every day and work, and whatever comes from that comes from that.”
Johnson has repeatedly expressed no frustration with his situation and reported to training camp on time with the rest of the Bears. He also has indicated he had no intention of a “hold-in,” which former linebacker Roquan Smith utilized last summer when he and the Bears hit a stalemate.
“If there is [a distraction], we didn’t notice,” defensive coordinator Alan Williams said of Johnson’s professionalism. “He is doing fine, just fine.”
Johnson is in the final season of his four-year, $6.5 million rookie contract. His $1.6 million average salary ranks 87th at his position, according to Spotrac.
The Bears drafted Johnson in the second round in 2020, and he quickly became their top corner. He has started 39 games in three seasons and has 31 pass breakups, including one interception.
He was targeted just 51 times in 11 games last season and led the Bears’ corners with a 94.6 opponent passer rating and 58.8 opponent completion percentage.
