Takeaways from Bears extending Pro Bowl CB Jaylon Johnson

Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson isn't going anywhere. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the 24-year-old agreed to a new four-year, $76M deal with the Chicago Bears on Thursday, making him one of the highest-paid corners in the NFL only days after being franchise-tagged. 

Here are three takeaways from Johnson's massive payday. 

The Bears are getting a steal 

Johnson's deal will make him, on average, the seventh-highest-paid cornerback in the league, but it doesn't break the bank. On the surface, the extension is extremely team-friendly and offers Johnson lifetime security — a win-win. 

However, it may end up being a steal for the Bears. 

Signing Johnson to an average of $19M per year comes in just under the franchise tag ($19.8M) price, and that number should only look better as the years progress. 

This year alone, the league salary cap rose by $30.6M, and there's reason to believe that trend will continue throughout the life of Johnson's deal. 

Frontloaded deal protects Bears and Johnson 

There's always risk in any lucrative, long-term deal. However, the Bears are protected a bit by giving Johnson $54M in guaranteed cash.

Furthermore, the deal is frontloaded, paying Johnson $60M over the first three seasons of the agreement. So, if things go south, the Bears can easily rid themselves of the contract ahead of the 2027 campaign. Likewise, if Johnson performs at a high level, he can cash in again before he turns 28. 

Ultimately, how things shake out depends a lot on Johnson's health. However, general manager Ryan Poles and Johnson's representatives found a way to make both sides feel secure while also minimizing risk. 

Johnson's deal could be great news for Chiefs

While still mulling a long-term agreement after using the franchise tag on CB L'Jarius Sneed, Johnson's extension clarifies the situation for the Kansas City Chiefs and the rest of the league. Though, it might benefit the Chiefs most. 

The price paid by the Bears for Johnson sets the market for Sneed. It gives the Chiefs a starting number, which might also help the talks progress toward an extension. Sneed is two years older than Johnson, so it's not a strong leap to say they'd ink similar deals. 

Meanwhile, it gives GM Brett Veach an upper hand in potential trade negotiations. Interested teams know a round-about price tag for Sneed, so now the Chiefs can set more firm demands regarding a return.