The NFL trade deadline is soon approaching, and at the time of publication (about an hour before the 3 p.m. CT deadline), cornerback Jaylon Johnson is still a Chicago Bear.
Johnson formally requested a trade late Monday night, and the Bears promptly granted him clearance to do so. It might be a negotiating strategy to let Johnson measure what other teams would be prepared to offer him instead of Chicago.
If the Bears opt to pull the trigger and deal Johnson, it sounds like a premium draft pick could be in play. According to the Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs, the Bears have a “high asking price” for Johnson, which could very well be a second-round selection.
Biggs also raised a good point: How much money does Johnson have in mind for a new contract?
That’s what both sides failed to find common ground on during negotiations. If Johnson’s camp sees that they likely won’t find a better deal than what Chicago is offering, it could wind up being good for the Bears.
Chicago has been active in the trade market already, acquiring defensive end Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders in exchange for a 2024 second-round selection.
We’ll see if Chicago will look to get that high selection back in dealing their top cornerback.
