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Should the Bears Trade Jaylon Johnson Before the NFL Trade Deadline?
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- Should the Bears Trade Jaylon Johnson Before the NFL Trade Deadline?
After the 2023 NFL season, the Chicago Bears signed cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a lucrative four-year, $76 million contract . The extension made him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL, and the move made plenty of sense at the time. Johnson was coming off an All-Pro-caliber season and looked like one of the league's premier cornerbacks. Then, things changed.
Johnson delivered a strong 2024 season before injuries derailed his 2025 campaign. Now, he is enduring one of the worst seasons of his career. With younger cornerbacks emerging on the roster and Johnson struggling early this season, the Bears may need to consider a difficult decision: trading their veteran defensive back. His performance has been concerning, and with the NFL trade deadline approaching, Chicago may need to seriously consider moving on.
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Johnson's Play Has Taken a Free Fall Since Signing His Big Contract Extension
Oct 11, 2026; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) celebrates after scoring a touchdown as Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (1) reacts during the third quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images
According to PFF tracking, the former 2020 second-round pick is on pace to allow more than 800 receiving yards , which would be the worst mark of his career. Johnson is also allowing a career-high 71.4% completion rate. The saving grace in his 2025 performance is that he has yet to allow a touchdown.
Johnson has recorded just one pass breakup, has no interceptions and has drawn four penalties this season. Needless to say, his struggles have compounded the problems in a struggling Bears secondary, and his subpar performance has not lived up to his price tag.
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There is still plenty of football left, and Johnson could turn things around quickly. However, Chicago has only two more games to decide whether to explore a potential trade and give younger cornerback Malik Muhammad II a bigger opportunity.
Can the Bears Get Value in a Jaylon Johnson Trade?
Sep 20, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) runs against Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (1) during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
Despite his struggles, Johnson remains an experienced player at a premium position. A change of scenery could also help him turn his season around. The biggest question, however, is whether another team would offer Chicago fair compensation. That also assumes the Bears are genuinely interested in exploring a trade. So, what could the return look like?
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According to the NFL Trade Value Machine , Johnson's initial projected value falls around a late second-round pick. However, his contract complicates the situation. According to Over The Cap, a team acquiring Johnson would take on the remaining game checks associated with his $15.5 million salary . He has already earned close to half of that amount this season.
That financial commitment could lower his trade value unless the Bears agree to absorb some of the remaining cost. Chicago could consider that option, but teams should not count on it.
That leaves the machine's next-best valuation in this scenario: a late third-round pick. Such a return may be more plausible, particularly given the premium teams often place on players at key positions during the trade deadline period. Still, considering Johnson's shaky play in 2026, a fourth-round pick might represent a more realistic outcome.
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The next questions are whether the Bears will receive an offer in that range and whether they would seriously consider moving Johnson despite their status as a perceived contender.
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This story was originally published by Athlon on Oct 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
