Training camp hasn't even started and Bears deliver bad news to fans

That's not ideal at all.
Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears
Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears | David Banks-Imagn Images

Chicago Bears fans were excited to see rookies and even their starting quarterback, Caleb Williams, arriving at the facility for training camp. That feeling was short-lived.

The team announced that four players were placed on the active/non-football injury list. Three of those players are on offense, and the other is a star on the defensive side of the ball.

  • Jaylon Johnson, CB
  • Case Keenum, QB
  • Jahdae Walker, WR
  • Ian Wheeler, RB

Johnson's the notable player on the list, but what does it mean?

Chicago could have a big problem on their hands with Johnson showing up on the list. There have been some suspicions that Johnson may be seeking a new contract. In a recent interview on the Rich Eisen Show, Johnson mentioned that he is considering revisiting his contract after guys like Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner got new deals. Johnson is currently in the second year of his four-year, $76 million contract.

He has proven his worth on the team, having made two consecutive Pro Bowls and earned a second-team All-Pro selection in 2023. Last year, Johnson finished the 2024 season with 53 tackles, seven tackles for loss, eight pass deflections, two interceptions, and one forced fumble in 17 games.

Not having Johnson at camp would create a significant problem at cornerback for the Bears and a needless headache for first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Tyrique Stevenson is the other outside starting cornerback, and Kyler Gordon is starting in the slot. Losing Johnson would be a major setback as he learns the new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen's system.

The only other concern for the Bears is the absence of Keenum. He's competing for the backup quarterback job with Tyson Bagent.

Read more: Caleb Williams projected to improve in 2025 (but still isn't among elite QBs)

Chicago has their work cut out for it as the veterans arrive at camp on July 22. This Johnson situation won't get resolved overnight, but the newly extended general manager, Ryan Poles, will have to earn his paycheck by getting their top defender's situation resolved before the regular season.