The Bears secondary had a field day against the Las Vegas Raiders, notching three interceptions en route to the 30-12 victory at Soldier Field in Week 7. The key figure in that lockdown defensive effort was cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who was able to pick off both Brian Hoyer and Aidan O'Connell on back-to-back drives.
With just over five minutes to spare in regulation, Johnson picked off Hoyer and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown, which sent the veteran quarterback to the bench. Just a handful of plays after that score and with O'Connell now under center, Johnson again was able to create a turnover, picking him off at Chicago's 25-yard line. Coming into Week 7, Johnson had just one interception in his career, which came back in 2021 against Joe Burrow.
After the pick-six, Johnson celebrated by making it rain imaginary money. With the 24-year-old entering the final year of his rookie contract, he was asked after the game if that was a not-so-subtle message about his contractual status.
"You damn right," Johnson said, via the Chicago Tribune. "100%."
Jaylon Johnson sent a message to Ryan Poles. pic.twitter.com/GRUev9Y2ii
— Dave (@dave_bfr) October 22, 2023
The two sides were unable to come to terms on an extension this offseason and Johnson did say that this recent game does show what he is worth to the organization and has "been wanting to get to the table" to hammer out a deal.
"I know who I am, and I know I can play this game at a high level," Johnson said. "And I feel like I deserve to be paid like that. I'm taking that attitude for any team, for any and everybody in the NFL. So I mean if it's with the Bears, then I'll do that."
Johnson was selected in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Bears out of Utah. Through five games this season, Johnson has been putting together strong performances in coverage, allowing just a 28.4 passer rating when targeted and registering three pass breakups.
Of course, with his uncertain contract status and the trade deadline looming, that does introduce the possibility of Johnson potentially being trade if the Bears don't see a long-term future with him. That said, Johnson did say last week that he does not want to be dealt and that "all my plans were to stay in Chicago."
