Jaylon Johnson Tag Decision Due Tuesday

Free Agent Watch: The Bears will be watching all tag decisions closely with the deadline Tuesday but their own situation with Jaylon Johnson is the most pressing.

The attention quickly shifts from a day late in April for the Bears to the next week and even the next two days.

The Bears have until Tuesday at 3 p.m. to get a new contract to cornerback Jaylon Johnson or they put themselves in the precarious position of leaving him unprotected heading toward the March 11 start of free agent negotiations.

It seems a foregone conclusion they'll keep him after Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus said about him.

"I'm so proud of Jaylon, the way he improved in the way he took the challenge to be a ball guy and he certainly did that," Eberflus said at the combine. "He's a great leader, not only in our defensive back room but in our whole defensive room too. He's really starting to become a really good leader on our football team.

"So I'm excited about him. Like Ryan said (Tuesday), want to get him to a long-term deal. Hope they're close. Hope it works out. Certainly excited to have him back."

Poles had been optimistic something can be worked out because talks were positive but positive doesn't always mean deadlines get met.

"In the process of getting Jaylon Johnson done, conversations ae going well at this time," Poles said when the combine opened. "We feel like we've done a really good job kind of coming to the table strong, showing the respect that he's due just in terms of his production through his craeer and really an emphasis on the turnovers he created this past year."

The tag would pay Johnson $19.8 million. The amount went up by about $1 million when the league announced the overall cap had increased by approximately $30 million. 

Johnson has said he wants to be paid the highest cornerback contract. According to Spotrac.com, Jaire Alexander of the Green Bay Packers has the highest average annual value on a contract at $21 million.

The free agent watch will be on for the Bears at several positions as tags get announced, and actually it already has begun as reports surfaced about players being tagged or being allowed to enter free agency.

On Sunday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported it's unlikely Miami defensive tackle Christian Wilkins will be tagged. The Bears could be interested because defensive tackle starter Justin Jones is a free agent.

Development out of Indy: Several league sources expect #Dolphins’ Christian Wilkins to avoid franchise tag. Miami source says keeping options open, but teams bracing for star DT to hit free agency.

That and much, much more from @DanGrazianoESPN and mehttps://t.co/DUUbVAlj5b pic.twitter.com/JNbQQifJoa

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 3, 2024

The 6-foot-4, 310-pounder has 20 1/2 sacks, including nine last season. Last year was his only season over 4 1/2 sacks, and the Bears had 4 1/2 sacks from Jones last year. Wilkins had a career-high 30 pressures last year.

Wilkins' market value has been projected at $20.2 million a year by Spotrac.com.

Another defensive tackle who could be available is All-Pro Chris Jones, because the Kansas City Chiefs have decided to tag cornerback L'Jarius Sneed instead, according to The Athletic's Dianna Russini.

However, Jones has said he doesn't want to leave Kansas City.

Interior defensive lineman Justin Madubuike will be tagged if the Ravens do not reach a deal with him, according to what Ravens GM Eric DeCosta said at the combine.

The Bears could be in the market for a receiver in free agency but one who appears likely to be tagged is Indianapolis' Michael Pittman. GM Chris Ballard at the combine said Pittman will remain with the Colts and negotiations are going on, so a tag would be likely if a contract isn't reached by Tuesday.

While the Kansas City Chiefs continue to work towards a Chris Jones extension, the franchise tag will officially be placed on cornerback L’Jarius Sneed tomorrow, per sources.

— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) March 3, 2024

Buccaneers free agent receiver Mike Evans will not be tagged, according to the Tampa Bay Times. Contract talks will continue with the Buccaneers while he explores free agency.

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