5 Chicago Bears auditioning for new teams over the final seven games of 2023

2. The Chicago Bears will try to re-sign Jaylon Johnson 

Of all of the Chicago Bears who will potentially hit free agency, the most likely player to return is Jaylon Johnson. The Bears wanted to see more from Johnson, who played like a high-end number two cornerback more than number one corner through his first three seasons. 

Johnson got hurt in week three, and his contract year looked like a dud. However, since he returned, he has been stellar. Johnson had two interceptions, including a pick-six against the Raiders. He also was seen following Adam Thielen into the slot against the Panthers. 

These were two of the things separating Johnson from being in that higher-end tier. Now, he is showing it. The Chicago Bears turned down some hefty offers for Johnson, and now their eyes are on him returning. For Johnson, he knows that the franchise tag is the ceiling, so why not force the teams hand? If the Bears get that level of play, they will not be mad paying the price tag.