Bears' Johnson wants to be NFL's highest-paid CB

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson wants to cash in this offseason after a career year.

"I feel like there's no reason I can't be the highest-paid corner in the league," he told Keyshawn Johnson on "All Facts No Brakes."

He added: "I feel like that's what I'm aiming for, that's what I'm shooting for, that's what I think can be done and should be done."

Johnson played out the final year of his rookie contract this season. He's slated to become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year opens on March 13, but the Bears can elect to franchise tag the star corner.

The 24-year-old was a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2023, finishing the season with 36 tackles, 10 passes defended, and a career-high four interceptions. Johnson was terrific in coverage, allowing only 25 catches for 195 yards in 14 games, according to PFF, which also had him as its highest-graded cornerback this year.

"I feel like I've had a good enough resume from my rookie year until now. I think this really was just the icing on the cake," Johnson added. "I feel like there's not anything that anybody can say: I took the ball away, I got All-Pro, I got Pro Bowl. I mean, what else is there for me to get? ... The ball is really in my court."

Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander is currently the highest-paid defensive back in the league after signing a four-year, $84-million deal in 2022, according to Over the Cap.

Johnson was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He has 41 passes defended and five interceptions in 53 career games.