In a contract year, Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson set lofty goals. His primary goal in 2023 was to earn All-Pro honors. Yesterday, Johnson talked about his progress toward that goal on the Bernstein and Holmes radio show. When asked if he was playing at an All-Pro level, he responded confidently:
“One hundred percent. There are plenty of guys who have interceptions, but I think the total coverage and then adding interceptions to it, I just don’t think anybody is playing a complete game like I've been playing the entirety of the year. I feel like I’ve been playing the game at a high level just as far as coverage, interceptions, and impact on the game." - Bears CB Jaylon Johnson
Jaylon Johnson's Stats
Now, I am sure many players feel they are deserving of All-Pro honors. But not many players back up their confidence with the stats that Johnson has produced this season. Interceptions are always the big talking point. While Johnson has increased his ball production this season, he managed to do so without increasing coverage busts from jumping routes and seeking out the football. Many times, players in this situation may start hunting for the football and lose soundness in their coverages.
The numbers back up Johnson's case for an All-Pro bid, ranking first in the NFL for multiple key stat categories. The stats and rankings shown were obtained from PFF and ranked against 78 cornerbacks who have played 350+ coverage snaps.
But Johnson has not been a slouch against the run either. He ranks 33rd in PFF grade against the run but does have the 17th-highest missed tackle rate on run plays. Additionally, he has generated a stop on 1.5% of run plays, ranking 34th. Against the run, Johnson is only middle of the pack. But cornerbacks are not heavily judged by their run defense. The fact that he is middle of the pack there should be good enough to earn him his first All-Pro nod.
Jaylon Johnson Contract Extension
What could an All-Pro bid mean for Johnson's contract extension, though? Johnson will turn 25 years old shortly after the season ends, and an All-Pro nod could increase his value, as it is rare that cornerbacks with that level of production ever hit the open market. Recent comps for All-Pro caliber cornerbacks to sign contracts at 25 years old include the following:
Before the season, there was a belief that the Bears might be able to get an extension done in the $15 million per year range. With the season Johnson has had so far, that number has increased significantly. The Bears will likely need to pay top dollar to retain Johnson. That man has earned his money and won the staring contest with the Bears front office.
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