The ongoing saga as to quite what will happen with Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson appears to be clearing up a little bit after the Soldier Field side said goodbye to safety Eddie Jackson, clearing more space in the cap for the free agent’s extension.

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Though clearly last season was still one with a losing regular season record, there were definite signs of improvement by Matt Eberflus’s side. Their late good run of form, going 5-3 from NFL Game Week 10 onwards, was not enough to see the team make up for a disastrous early run that saw them lose all of their first four games of the season.

Jaylon Johnson did impress, though, and though he has entered free agency, the 24-year-old has made it clear he wishes to stay with Chicago, just so long as the deal he is offered is one that he feels is worthy of his value.

On his intentions, Johnson has been refreshingly honest, stating,

“Heart’s definitely in Chicago; mind’s definitely on the money,”

“So, I mean, we’ll figure out if we can make them both come together and get something done. I’m looking forward to see what’s to come.”

On any potential flaws in his game, Johnson added,

“Probably the only thing I have [against me] was not getting turnovers,”

“But now, this year I started getting some turnovers, creating. I feel like I’ve always been an exceptional cover guy, so just being able to impact the game and make plays in the air is something I wanted to do, and I went out and did that. And now everybody knows I can take the ball away. So, I feel like there’s really not a box I can’t check.”

“I think the ball is in my court; the ball is in my favor,”

“Really, I think it’s just a matter of time when it happens. But I think really going into the negotiation, I don’t think it’s too much really to talk about. I feel like there’s no reason I can’t be the highest-paid corner in the league.” Johnson added.

Chicago Bears head coach Ryan Poles has made it clear he very much sees Johnson as part of his long-term plans, stating of his contractual stance,

“I feel really good about that situation,”

“Jaylon’s not going to go anywhere, and we’ll work through it to get something done.”

Though, on the face of it, the Chicago Bears performed poorly in 2023, their 7-10 record was the team’s best performance in three seasons, and the way the season was closed out will have left Pole, Johnson and, of course, the team’s loyal fanbase, hopeful about what next season may bring.