Bears Lock Up Jaylon Johnson with Lucrative Extension

Cornerback's contract looks like a bargain after recent CB deals

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have signed cornerback Jaylon Johnson to a four-year, $76 million franchise-tag contract extension, with $51.4 million guaranteed. Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowler, has emerged as one of the top corners in the NFL when healthy.

Why it matters

The Bears' decision to extend Johnson looks savvier by the day, as cornerback salaries continue to skyrocket league-wide. Johnson's deal now appears team-friendly compared to the record-setting contract signed by the Rams' Trent McDuffie.

The details

Johnson, 25, has been selected to the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2024 after recording 18 pass deflections and six interceptions over those two seasons. The Bears locked him up on a four-year deal with $51.4 million in guaranteed money.

  • Johnson signed his extension in March 2026.
  • McDuffie signed a four-year, $124 million contract with the Rams in 2026, making it the largest CB deal in NFL history.

The players

Jaylon Johnson

A 25-year-old cornerback for the Chicago Bears who has made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and 2024.

Trent McDuffie

A cornerback for the Los Angeles Rams who signed a record-setting four-year, $124 million contract in 2026.

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The takeaway

The Bears' decision to lock up Jaylon Johnson on a long-term deal is looking increasingly savvy as cornerback salaries continue to skyrocket league-wide. Johnson's contract now appears team-friendly compared to the record-setting deal signed by the Rams' Trent McDuffie.