Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson won’t be playing anywhere but Chicago next year, general manager Ryan Poles said Wednesday.
That was his most significant assurance yet about Johnson, who requested a trade before the league’s Nov. 1 trade deadline — and was denied. Johnson was voted to his first Pro Bowl last week.
“We have really good communication,” Poles said. “The big thing was just kind of take a break here after the season and then we’ll start talks again.
“I feel really good about that situation. Jaylon’s not going to go anywhere, and we’ll work through it to get something done.”
The Bears could give Johnson the franchise tag between Feb. 20 and March 5, which would keep him on a one-year deal and allow the team to continue negotiating a long-term contract until July.
Johnson, who was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded cornerback this season, remains open to staying with the Bears.
