Bears grant cornerback Jaylon Johnson permission to seek trade ahead of deadline
Jaylon Johnson would like a new home.
The Chicago Bears have given the cornerback permission to seek a trade ahead of Tuesday’s trade deadline, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per sources.
Johnson is playing on the final year of his rookie contract and after days of discussions, Johnson’s agent, Chris Ellison, received permission around midnight, Rapoport added.
The news comes on the day of the NFL trade deadline, which is set at 4 p.m. ET. Chicago has already made a big move, acquiring defensive end Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders in exchange for a second-round pick, Rapoport reported.
The 24-year-old has 18 tackles, four passes defensed, a forced fumble and two interceptions through six games, one of which he took for a touchdown in Week 7 against the Raiders.
He’s sporting by far the best defensive PFF grade (84.4) and coverage grade (85.8) of his career, improving on previous highs of 64.2 and 65.2, respectively.
Although Johnson claimed earlier in October that his plans had been to stay in Chicago, he admitted anything can happen, and he declared following his first career pick-six that he deserves payment commensurate with his elevated play.
Given Johnson’s output this season, it’ll be tempting for a CB-needy contender to step up as the one to acquire and reward him. It would also behoove the 2-6 Bears to get something in return if previous discussions with Johnson suggest they might lose him anyway come March.
With Johnson’s cards on the table, time will tell if he’s in a new uniform come Sunday.
