Bears Give Jaylon Johnson Permission To Seek Trade 2023 NFL Trade Rumors

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Breaking News: Bears Face Trade Dilemma – Star Cornerback’s Fate Uncertain! Will the Team Risk It? Find Out Now!

In the midst of the NFL season, the Chicago Bears find themselves at a crossroads, with a potential midseason trade looming large. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has expressed his desire to be traded, and the team has given him the green light to explore potential opportunities before the trade deadline, which is set for 3 p.m. on a Tuesday.

However, it’s worth noting that Johnson’s departure is not guaranteed, as the Bears may not receive a suitable trade offer. In such a scenario, the team could end up retaining Johnson, despite their recent 30-13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.

In the past ten days, Johnson and the Bears engaged in contract negotiations, which evidently did not yield the desired outcome. The impasse in these talks ultimately led to Johnson’s trade request.

The Bears are no strangers to the potential consequences of midseason trades, particularly when it comes to parting with key players. Last year, they traded away Roquan Smith and Robert Quinn just before the trade deadline, and the team struggled to recover. The defense’s performance suffered significantly, with an average of 33.1 points allowed per game following Smith’s departure, and the Bears failed to secure another victory for the remainder of the season.

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While the impact of these trades was not the sole cause of the team’s decline, it undeniably had an adverse effect within the locker room. Defensive tackle Justin Jones pointed out the toll it took on the defense, describing it as a significant blow that left the team without a win for 14 consecutive games.

Considering the negative repercussions of last year’s midseason trades, it’s reasonable to question whether the Bears would be hesitant to engage in a similar deal this year. Head coach Matt Eberflus acknowledged the close-knit nature of the team, emphasizing the strong relationships among the players, which could make such a move emotionally challenging. He stressed the importance of being transparent with the players, explaining the reasons behind any potential trade, and mitigating the impact on team morale.

The potential loss of Jaylon Johnson would be immediately evident, as demonstrated by the recent game against the Chargers. Rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, who would likely replace Johnson, struggled, earning a team-worst Pro Football Focus pass coverage grade of 44.9 in that game. This decline came after a strong performance against the Raiders the previous week. The backup for Johnson, rookie Terell Smith, is currently unavailable due to mono, and the other option, Jaylon Jones, is an undrafted player.

Despite the challenges, Johnson’s performance remains impressive, with an 87.0 PFF grade in the last game, even though the Bears’ secondary faced a formidable opponent in Justin Herbert. Through the first eight weeks of the season, Johnson boasts the league’s third-highest PFF coverage grade and the third-highest overall cornerback grade.

Bears Give Jaylon Johnson Permission to Seek Trade

From a financial standpoint, the Bears are well-equipped to accommodate a new cornerback contract. They currently possess the most available salary cap space for the 2024 season, with approximately $82.28 million, according to the latest figures from Overthecap.com.

Recent reports have hinted at the Dallas Cowboys showing interest in Jaylon Johnson, especially after losing cornerback Trevon Diggs to a torn ACL. This potential interest from other teams underscores Johnson’s value in the league.

There have also been rumors linking the Bears to interest in Washington Commanders defensive end Chase Young. The Bears’ struggles with their pass rush, notably in the recent game against the Chargers, have highlighted their need for help in that department. However, these rumors have been refuted by Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer on a pregame show, who clarified that there is no deal in place for Chase Young. The rumors merely suggested that the Bears were showing interest in Young.

As the trade deadline approaches, it’s possible that more rumors and speculations will emerge, along with potential confusion and altered reports. The outcome of this situation remains uncertain, and the Bears must carefully consider their options and their impact on the team’s performance and cohesion.

In conclusion, the Chicago Bears face a pivotal decision regarding the future of cornerback Jaylon Johnson. The potential trade could have significant implications for the team’s performance, both on the field and in the locker room. The team must navigate this situation with care, considering the lessons learned from past midseason trades.