Bears franchise tag Johnson

The Chicago Bears placed the franchise tag on cornerback Jaylon Johnson, the team announced Tuesday.

Johnson will make about $19.8 million if he plays on the tag in 2024.

The Utah product earned second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors after posting a career-high four interceptions last season. He also had 10 pass deflections, a forced fumble, and a touchdown.

The Bears gave Johnson permission to seek a trade during the season after the two sides failed to agree on an extension, but he said in December that he wants to remain with Chicago.

However, the 24-year-old is unlikely to accept a hometown discount after stating in January that he wants to be the NFL's highest-paid cornerback.

Johnson has totaled five interceptions, 41 pass deflections, three forced fumbles, and 161 tackles in 53 starts since being selected in the second round of the 2020 draft.