Report: Bears grant Jaylon Johnson permission to seek trade

The Chicago Bears permitted cornerback Jaylon Johnson to seek a trade ahead of Tuesday's deadline, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Johnson, who is scheduled to be a free agent at the end of the season, reportedly requested a trade after the two sides couldn't come close to an extension during contract talks last week.

A 2020 second-round pick, Johnson has started 45 games over the first four years of his career. He's recorded two interceptions in six contests this season, taking one back for a touchdown.

Trading Johnson to a cornerback-needy contender could land the Bears some valuable draft picks for the ongoing rebuild. Chicago already holds an extra 2024 first-round pick from the Carolina Panthers, giving the club a chance at having two top-five selections next spring.