Jaylon Johnson Expresses His Thoughts
As the offseason approaches, players tend to speak more freely, sometimes acting more like general managers or coaches. Never one to keep his feelings to himself, Jaylon Johnson had two intriguing things to say to Bears general manager Ryan Poles on Wednesday during his interview on Keyshawn Johnson’s brand-new Fox Sports podcast, “All Facts, No Brakes.” The first one concerned Justin Fields, the quarterback. The team’s players want him back. Although this is what they have always said, Johnson made it very evident what Fields means to them.
Jaylon Johnson said to Keyshawn Johnson, “I don’t think that’s it. Just going in and saying, ‘oh well, just get rid of him, he’s not the answer,'” wasn’t enough. “I believe that’s kind of taking the easy route and absolving the coaches of responsibility, as I believe the coaches have a significant role in the quarterback’s development. In my opinion, he hasn’t had enough time to fully mature yet, as he is currently in his fourth year and on his third coordinator.
I believe that it’s really about the people in his immediate vicinity at this time. I believe his QB coach is the first to blame. The offensive coordinator must first instruct, shape, and develop him into that quarterback.
According to Johnson, Fields requires more than just the opportunity to grow under a skilled offensive coordinator.
“So I think it’s really about that part first and I think you get some dogs around him, some O-line that can consistently hold up, I think a good run game,” he continued. “Receivers, we got DJ (Moore) and we’re building some things on offense but we definitely need more, I feel like, as far as playmakers and guys to put him in the best position.”
Johnson claimed that the squad grew closer as a result of the criticism Fields occasionally faced during the season.
As Johnson stated on the show, “I think it made us play a little harder,” in all honesty. We already knew what was in that locker room, so I believe it helped us get along better. I believe that everyone looking in from the outside attempts to construct a picture and give the impression that they know the real story about Justin and that’s the reality. We are aware of the reality of the situation he finds himself in, and every week, I believe we make an effort to stand by him.”
Poles stated that he must consider the support Fields has received in the locker room while determining what to do with the first choice in the draft. This support has been evident throughout the season. He did, however, add that when making the choice, he must set emotion aside. Johnson had one more thing to say to Poles. This relates to the upcoming contract negotiations between them before Johnson enters free agency or before a franchise or transition tag is applied.
“I feel like there’s no reason why I can’t be the highest-paid corner in the league,” Johnson stated. “And I feel like that’s what I’m aiming for and I feel like that’s what I’m shooting for.”
In the past, Johnson really never stated it that way. At $21 million annually, Jaire Alexander of the Packers is the highest-paid cornerback in terms of average contract value.
“I got All-Pro, I got Pro Bowl, I mean what else is there for me to get?” stated Johnson. Thus, I believe that I am unquestionably worthy of the best paying job. I mean, the ball is actually in my court, and I’m going to play.”
If they can’t agree, the Bears can keep Johnson for $18.8 million in 2024 by using a franchise tag. If they’d want, they can then go back to negotiating. After recording a career-high four interceptions and being named to the second team of the All-Pro team last season, Johnson was named as Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded NFL cornerback.