Drafting both Cole Kmet and Jaylon Johnson from the 2020 NFL Draft is probably the best thing
Ryan Pace did while he was the Bears' general manager. Ryan Poles, who became the general manager two years later, gave both players a contract extension as both of them have become valuable contributors.
Johnson, signed a 4-year, $76 million extension last March, has exceed expectations since he was drafted. As he endured his third head coach in his sixth season, he is counted as one of the leaders on the team that is trying to put behind the Matt Eberflus debacle from last year.
But as the training camp officially began on Tuesday, the news broke last Saturday that Jaylon Johnson, Case Keenum, and Ian Wheeler were put on NFI (Non-Football Injury) list last Saturday(Keenum was activated on Monday). Many began to wonder if Johnson was holding out and seeking a new contract.
For those who are not familar with NFI, "Non Football" injury means Johnson suffered an injury not from practice or game, but more likely working out on his own. It means Johnson is not capable of practicing and will remain in NFI list until he is capable of.
The fans gets a mixed news on Jaylon Johnson on the first day of training camp
The good news is Johnson is not holding out for a new contract. Already, Cincinnati Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has abruptly left the team and will not report to camp after fruitless negotiations between two sides all offseason. And the tension is brewing in Dallas involving edge rusher Micah Parsons and wide receiver Terry McLaurin in Washington.
Still, some cornerbacks around the league have received a bigger contract than Johnson since he signed his extension, so the Bears will likely have to deal with next offseason if Johnson have a strong season.
But the bad news is Johnson's injury will force him to miss few weeks of training camp, which was confirmed by general manager Ryan Poles. Poles also announced the signing of veteran cornerback Tre Flowers in the press conference.
Read more: Bears finally sign a veteran pass rusher (but not the one fans wanted)
In a meantime, Tyrique Stevenson, who needs to bounce back after a rough 2024 season, and Terell Smith, who supplanted Stevenson last season, will be in the spotlight. As the Bears defense seeks to establish new identity under new defensive Dennis Allen, one can hope Johnson's absence will be minimal as his veteran leadership is needed.