(670 The Score) The Bears have granted permission for cornerback Jaylon Johnson to seek a trade out of Chicago ahead of the of the NFL trade deadline that looms Tuesday at 3 p.m., a source confirmed. ESPN first reported the news.
Johnson and the Bears had been in negotiations on a contract extension, and the two sides met again over the weekend in Los Angeles, a source said. However, a breakdown in discussions has led Johnson's representation to seek a deal out of Chicago. Johnson is in the final season of his rookie contract.
The 24-year-old Johnson has been candid when addressing his contract negotiations while making clear his desire to remain with the Bears — but not on a discount.
"I'm looking for respect and security at the end of the day," Johnson said.
A second-round pick of the Bears in the 2020 NFL Draft, Johnson has played in 45 games for the team over four seasons. He has three career interceptions, including two during a win against the Raiders on Oct. 22. Johnson is having a strong season, as he ranks No. 3 among all cornerbacks in the NFL in Pro Football Focus' grades.
Late last October, the Bears dealt star linebacker Roquan Smith to the Ravens ahead of the trade deadline after they failed to reach a contract extension. Smith, then 25, was seeking a $100-million deal that would put him in the class of the NFL's elite off-ball linebackers. He later landed that contract in Baltimore.
Smith had originally requested a trade out of Chicago in August 2022. More than two months later, he received his wish in a move to Baltimore.
Unlike Smith, Johnson now has only hours to find a potential trade to leave the Bears.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
