Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles granted cornerback Jaylon Johnson permission to seek a new team at the trade deadline on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
There are few doubts Poles is willing to unload Johnson, who is playing at a high level in a contract year but hasn't been able to reach an agreement with the Bears on a contract extension.
Johnson, 24, said last week he was hopeful a deal would be struck with the Bears but described talks with the team as "slower than expected."
Poles moved multiple defensive starters at the 2022 deadline, including linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive end Robert Quinn, and traded the No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft to the Carolina Panthers.
"At the end of the day, it goes back to respect as well," Johnson said last week. "You can throw some numbers at someone and hope they take anything. That's not what I'm looking to do. I'm looking for respect and security."
But negotiations ceased without a contract agreement, and signs point to Johnson being shipped out of Chicago on Tuesday by the 4 p.m. deadline.
Johnson is tied as the third-ranked cornerback in Pro Football Focus rankings this season. He has two interceptions.
A second-round draft pick in 2020, Johnson is considered a target of the San Francisco 49ers and general manager John Lynch. Lynch said this week the 49ers would be targeting coverage help.
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