Las Vegas Raiders coach Antonio Pierce has heard plenty of support from his own players. Now, he is hearing it from Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Johnson knows Pierce personally and spoke glowingly about him during an appearance on “All Facts No Brakes” with former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson this week.
“With Antonio Pierce, kind of knowing him for a little bit, but just knowing his style, knowing his personality, there’s a lot players can relate to and it’s a lot you can respect,” Johnson said. “I think a lot of it too and people don’t really take into account, like how can you run through a wall for a certain coach? … I think he’s somebody that people will listen to. If you don’t take that into account, especially when a guy like Maxx Crosby is saying that.”
Johnson was referring to Crosby saying that he may explore a trade if the Raiders don’t retain Pierce as head coach for 2024.
Johnson is set to be a free agent this offseason and has said that he wants to remain with the Bears, but if he is unable to reach a long-term agreement with Chicago, you have to wonder if his affinity for Pierce will potentially draw him to Las Vegas.
Or, perhaps Johnson wants to bring Crosby to the Windy City.
“If you don’t want to be there, I think we’ve got a spot for him in Chicago,” he said of Crosby.
The general consensus is that the Raiders will ultimately bring back Pierce, who went 5-4 since taking over for Josh McDaniels midway through the 2023 campaign. Las Vegas also boasted the NFL’s best scoring defense under Pierce.
Jaylon Johnson registered 36 tackles, four interceptions, a forced fumble, 10 passes defended and a defensive touchdown en route to his first Pro Bowl selection this season.
