Pay The Man: Former Ute Jaylon Johnson Primed For Historic Contract

One of the best former Utes in the NFL, Jaylon Johnson, may be on the verge of an unprecedented contract extension.

Johnson, who played at Utah from 2017-19 had a career season in his fourth year in the NFL with the Chicago Bears.

The Bears cornerbacks last year of his rookie contract was his best, totaling 36 tackles, a forced fumble, 10 passes defended, four interceptions, and a pick-six in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Moreover, Johnson did this all in only 14 games, earning him his first Pro Bowl nod and first All-Pro Second Team selection.

Graded by PFF as the leagues best coverage cornerback (90.8), the 6-foot, 196-pound corners athleticism was on display all week long during the NFL Pro Bowl Games... minus his performance on the golf course.

While the NFL’s all-star game might be a shell of its former self, many players still gave their all during the week’s finale, the Pro Bowl Games Championship.

The Championship, a flag football match between the AFC and NFC, was close, not decided until the final play, where Johnson flashed a game-winning pass breakup on a CJ Stroud pass to Chargers receiver Kenaan Allen.

In response to his miraculous diving swat, Johnson celebrated with his NFC teammates, flashing a familiar “pay-me” gesture to the cameras. 

The celebration serving as a reminder that the Bears have yet to grant Johnson a suitable extension.

Although Chicago drafted Johnson with their second-round pick in 2020, netting him a 4-year, $6,468,770 paycheck, it’s going to take a whole lot more if the team wants the All-Pro corner to stay in the Windy City come 2024.

"Heart's definitely in Chicago, mind's definitely on the money," Johnson told NFL.com at Saturday's Pro Bowl practice. "So, I mean, we'll figure out if we can make them both come together and get something done. I'm looking forward to seeing what's to come."

Whether it be the Chicago Bears or another franchise, Johnson is going to see the Brinks truck show up at his door this offseason. 

The Bears have $49.13 million in 2024 salary cap space, which is eighth-most in the NFL, but will have heaps of competition if they want to sign Johnson long-term.

Most analysts project his upcoming contract to have an average annual value of between $19-21 million, a figure that reached its peak after rising steadily throughout the season. 

The Bears reportedly offered Johnson a 5-year, $93M contract extension ($18.6 million AAV) in early December but failed to get a deal done.

While it is unclear what city Johnson will call home for the 2024 season, it is apparent that just about every team would benefit from his presence.