Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has quietly been one of the more talented and effective defensive backs in the NFL, despite the lack of interceptions.
However, two picks against the Raiders in Week 7, including one that ended up in the end zone, gave Johnson more leverage toward receiving a new contract from the Bears at the end of the season. But what if the Bears traded him away to land more draft capital instead?
For one, he probably would get more recognition on a new (and better) team, similar to what Roquan Smith is getting in Baltimore. Additionally, Johnson could help a team find their way to the promised land, i.e., the Super Bowl, and several teams should pick up the phone and call the Bears about his availability.
Let's take a look at three teams that could add Jaylon Johnson and instantly upgrade their roster and their futures.
3. Dallas Cowboys
The loss of Trevon Diggs has put immense pressure on Dallas' secondary, notably veteran Stephon Gilmore. While DaRon Bland has filled in quite well, the Cowboys would be better off having someone else step in to pick up the slack. Even when Diggs gets back in the future, there would not be much fear if something happens as depth is always valuable.
That's where Johnson comes into play. If Gilmore leaves after this year, Johnson and Diggs can team up to form an elite duo and have Bland working as a nickelback to keep offenses guessing. Moreover, he is still 24 years old, well good enough for Jerry Jones to feel comfortable about making an investment.
The NFC is very much up for grabs, and given what the division alone brings, i.e., the Eagles, Dallas would be wise to find ways to keep pace, and adding someone like Jaylon Johnson and locking him up for the long haul would be a wise move for the Cowboys to make should they wish to continue pursuing their own expectations.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
The rich get richer? That would swiftly ensure that the Chiefs can shake off any remaining competition and add to an already impressive defense. Moreover, it would give more teams a reason to know the Chiefs were trouble when they walked in.
Puns aside, Kansas City would do well to have a talented defense getting stronger to help out the offense. Considering that Travis Kelce is the only lethal weapon in KC's attack, it has been on the defense to pick up the slack, and this may be the best unit that Andy Reid has fielded in the Patrick Mahomes era, and that says a lot.
If the Chiefs really wish to repeat, and replicate a feat only a few teams have ever done before, they should call Chicago and be aggressive and pursue Jaylon Johnson. There may not ever be another time to have this elite-level defensive unit again. Take advantage of the opportunity provided and make the most of a wide-open window.
1. Baltimore Ravens
This is a shocker, but perhaps doing a deal with Baltimore, similar to how the Roquan Smith deal was done, might not be such a bad idea, considering that the Ravens have aspirations of knocking off the Chiefs and proving that Lamar Jackson is worth the investment made.
Baltimore's defense showed against Detroit what they can be like when everything comes together, imagine if that unit only gets stronger. Additionally, helping Lamar Jackson get more chances to score on offense never hurts. Plus, the AFC North has some pass-happy quarterbacks (Kenny Pickett and Joe Burrow), so why not try to distance yourself from the competition in the right way?
it won't come cheap for the Ravens, but they have been known to take calculated risks on players. Jaylon Johnson has no off-the-field issues so that won't be an issue in pursuing negotiations. The compensation, like with Dallas and KC, would be an interesting watch. If this deal was to happen, there would be even more of a reason to fear the Ravens.
