Bears general manager Ryan Poles shed some light on an important topic of conversation this offseason: the status of a contract extension for All-Pro cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Poles addressed a myriad of topics during his Tuesday NFL Scouting Combine press conference — although he did not have a master plan to present everyone about the team’s current quarterback dilemma. But it was progress with Johnson’s extension that was the biggest takeaway.
Poles said they are in the process of getting a contract extension done for Johnson, where conversations are going well and he sounded optimistic about getting a deal in place.
Feel like we’ve done a good job coming to the table strong,” Poles told reporters, explaining the cash flows and guarantees are strong on the deal in the works for Johnson.
Poles said he would “like to avoid the franchise tag” with the goal being a long-term deal, but the tag is something at their disposal if they’re unable to come to an agreement by the March 5 deadline.
Johnson is coming off a career year with the Bears, where he had a career-high four interceptions, 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 14 games. He proved to be one of the NFL’s best cover cornerbacks and unlocked the takeaway aspect of his game, earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods.
