Chicago Bears player already on thin ice chose absence early at OTAs

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears player already on thin ice chose absence early at OTAs

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated May 21, 2026 6:30 PM ET

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson noted his frustration with two members of the secondary during his first season with the team.

The Bears invested heavily in cornerback Jaylon Johnson in 2024, giving him a four-year $76 million contract. He played in seven games and started in six for the Bears in 2025, with a muscle core injury.

Kyler Gordon signed a three-year $40 million contract extension in 2025. He played in three games and started one last season amid groin and calf injuries.

Per video posted by Adam Hoge of CHGO Bears, defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Al Harris suggested Johnson was not present during the early phases of OTAs this spring.

“Let me do this. We’re going to talk about the guys that’s just been out there,” Harris said. “To respect Jaylon and the organization, we’re just going to talk about the guys that’s been out there.”

Johnson has missed voluntary OTAs in years prior, but has shown up to practice. Still, it’s a questionable decision by Johnson to miss workouts this spring for a few reasons.

Chicago Bears HC wanted new start with Jaylon Johnson

Nov 28, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (1) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

In March, Johnson said it was challenging to form relationships with Johnson and Gordon because they missed so much time with injury last year. He wants both players to stay healthy and remain on the field.

“We’re starting over completely this spring,” Johnson said about his relationship with Gordon and Johnson.

Johnson didn’t improve that relationship by not showing up to Halas Hall early this spring.

It’s Johnson’s right not to work out during the voluntary portion of OTAs.

However, the cornerback has complained in offseasons before that he was tired of playing for an organization that lost games.

Now that he’s getting paid the big bucks on a Bears team that won the NFC North and nearly made the NFC Championship Game last season, Johnson chose to put off working with his teammates this offseason.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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