The story of the Jaylon Johnson deal goes on.
The Chicago Bears presented the University of Utah product with a nonexclusive franchise tag on Tuesday, which, should he decide to accept it, will guarantee him a $19.8 million salary for 2024.
The revelation was first reported by NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport; the team has subsequently verified it.
Johnson is still free to sign with any team while he is on the nonexclusive tag, but the Bears have the option to match any other offer to keep Johnson. Chicago would receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if it decided not to match.
A second-round pick in 2020, Johnson had a breakthrough season with the Bears in 2023, snagging four interceptions to be named to the Second Team All-Pro.
Although Chicago had previously hoped to avoid playing the franchise tag game and has indicated interest in signing Johnson to a long-term agreement, obtaining the tag on Tuesday enables the team to keep Johnson from leaving for free agency.
To agree on an extension, Johnson and the Bears have until the middle of July. Johnson can’t be signed long-term until after the upcoming season if a deal isn’t done before then.
Johnson was a two-time First Team All-Pac-12 selection and finished with 102 total tackles with seven interceptions during his three years as a college player with the Utes.
