4 Chicago Bears players who should stick around in 2024

3. The Chicago Bears have to keep Jaylon Johnson this offseason 

The Chicago Bears have three options to choose from with Jaylon Johnson this offseason. First, they could franchise-tag him. Second, they could extend him to a long-term deal. Third, they could franchise tag him with the intention of trading him. 

Two of the three scenarios involve him returning to the team next year. So, while there is a smaller chance that he does not return, it is definitely not the one that they should choose. Yes, if a team completely blows them away and makes an insane offer for Johnson, they would be crazy not to take it. However, they would also be smart to keep Johnson, even if they cannot agree to a long-term deal.

The Bears' defense started to gel down the stretch, and the best thing for a defense is continuity from week to week and year to year. With Tyrique Stevenson entering his second year in the defense and Kyler Gordon entering his second year as a full-time slot, the Bears could run back the same three in the cornerback room, and they should have one of the best groups in the NFL. 

The team can get rid of most of their upcoming free agents, but after the season that Johnson had in 2023, they cannot move in 2024.