How Former Utah CB Jaylon Johnson Will Fit In With Chicago Bears
Apr 28, 2020, 2:14 PM
Jaylon Johnson #1 of the Utah Utes intercepts a Jacob Eason #10 of the Washington Huskies pass and returns it for a 39 yard for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game at Husky Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. The Utah Utes top the Washington Huskies 33-28. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah cornerback Jaylon Johnson has the opportunity to make an immediate impact for the Chicago Bears.
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The Bears selected Johnson in the second round with the 50th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Johnson should be ready to go for training camp despite having shoulder surgery in March.
ESPN.com has Johnson listed as a backup at cornerback.
Other Cornerbacks On Roster
The two players that are projected to start at cornerback are Kyle Fuller and Buster Skrine. Fuller is entering the second year of his current three-year contract with Chicago. He does have two more years after that which is an option.
Skrine is possibly entering the last year of his contract. He has an out in his contract after this season. If that isn’t exercised then Skrine has two more seasons left on his current deal counting this upcoming season.
LET'S GO, @NBAxJay1!
🐻⬇️ | #BearsDraft pic.twitter.com/GZGKvkSFK8
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 25, 2020
Chicago also drafted a cornerback in the fifth round when they selected Kindle Vidor from Georgia Southern. He likely won’t affect Johnson’s chances of starting for the Bears.
The Bears did not resign cornerback Prince Amukamara and allowed him to hit the free agency market.
Contract Details
Johnson has not signed a contract with the Bears yet. That will happen in the coming weeks. According to Spotrac.com, Johnson is projected to make $6,468,771 over the course of his rookie contract. His signing bonus is projected at $2,264,561 and using an estimated $1,176,140 of the Bears’ cap.
The former Ute can negotiate certain portions of his contract but some of it is set in stone because of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement.
Buckle up. Jaylon Johnson is a Bear.@MillerLite | #BearsDraft
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 25, 2020
Prediction
I believe Johnson will start on opening day for the Bears and will beat out Buster Skrine for the left cornerback spot.
The newest Monster of the Midway is DB Jaylon Johnson!
Welcome to Chicago, @NBAxJay1. 🐻⬇️@MillerLite | #BearsDraft pic.twitter.com/trWDRAaHoP
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 25, 2020
Johnson’s ability to play in different schemes and either in press coverage or scaling back in coverage along with his ability to use his length and quickness to make plays will separate him in training camp and he will be a contributor for the Bears in the season opener. In college, Johnson allowed just three touchdowns in his career.
Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASports. You can download and listen to the podcast, here.
