Overview
- Johnson told reporters Saturday that he views 2026 as a contract year and that he must put game tape on record to prove he remains a top NFL cornerback.
- His May 2024 extension is for four years and $76 million and reportedly leaves only about $9 million in dead-cap charge in 2027, a structure that would make Chicago likely to cut or trade him after this season for cap relief.
- A groin injury and later surgery limited his 2025 availability, he said he used numbing shots late in the year to play through pain, and outlets differ on exactly how many regular-season games he missed.
- Johnson says offseason rehab, including Pilates, has him feeling healthy and faster, and coach Ben Johnson says he has seen an improved approach during camp.
- If Johnson regains his prior form the open cornerback market could give him leverage in 2027, while the Bears’ defense stands to benefit now because other secondary starters are injured or unproven.