The Chicago Bears don’t have many obvious cap-clearing “home run” cut candidates heading into the new NFL year. However, one surprising name has surfaced in speculation: two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson.

The theory, floated by Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated, suggests Chicago could consider moving on from Johnson as it navigates salary cap challenges. Huber also identified Johnson as a potential target for the rival Green Bay Packers if he were to hit the open market.

While the idea has generated headlines, a deeper dive into the Bears’ cap situation and Johnson’s value makes such a move highly unlikely.

Why Jaylon Johnson’s Contract Sparked Speculation

Johnson signed a four-year, $76 million contract extension in March 2024, cementing his status as a foundational piece of Chicago’s defense. However, his upcoming cap numbers are significant:

• $24.5 million cap hit in 2026

• $25.0 million cap hit in 2027

At the time of Huber’s reporting, Chicago was approximately $8.3 million over the salary cap. Recent cap maneuvers have reduced that deficit to roughly $4.1 million, easing immediate financial pressure.

Still, the optics of a $24+ million cap charge for a player who appeared in just seven games in 2025—due to injuries—naturally invite scrutiny.

The Financial Reality: Cutting Johnson Makes Little Sense

Despite the attention-grabbing nature of the rumor, the financial math works against a release.

If the Bears were to cut Johnson before June 1, they would save only $6.5 million against the cap while absorbing a massive $18 million dead cap hit. In essence, Chicago would be paying $18 million for Johnson to play elsewhere, all to gain a modest $6.5 million in March flexibility.

A post-June 1 designation would create $15.5 million in savings, but that cap relief would not materialize until later in the summer—well after the primary wave of free agency concludes.

From a roster-building standpoint, weakening an already inconsistent defense for minimal early savings would be difficult to justify.

Jaylon Johnson Remains an Elite Coverage Corner

Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Johnson’s overall body of work remains impressive. Over the past four seasons:

• 7 interceptions

• 6 touchdowns allowed

• Three consecutive seasons allowing a passer rating below 90.0

He will turn 27 before the upcoming NFL Draft, meaning he remains squarely in his prime years.

While Johnson has faced criticism for inconsistent tackling, his coverage ability ranks among the league’s best. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, lockdown cornerbacks capable of neutralizing WR1s are premium assets.

Letting such a player walk—particularly to a division rival like Green Bay—would be a risky organizational decision.

Injuries Were the Bigger Issue in 2025

Johnson’s limited availability last season stemmed primarily from a lingering groin injury suffered during the summer. The issue resurfaced early in the year, notably in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions during a lopsided road loss that marked a low point in Chicago’s campaign.

When healthy, Johnson continues to perform at a Pro Bowl level. The key for the Bears moving forward is durability—not talent.

A More Likely Departure: Nahshon Wright

If Chicago is going to lose a cornerback this offseason, the more plausible candidate is Nahshon Wright.

Wright is set to hit free agency after a breakout season on a one-year deal. His 2025 stat line was eye-catching:

• 11 passes defended

• 5 interceptions

• 3 tackles for loss

• 2 forced fumbles

• 1 defensive touchdown

Spotrac projects Wright’s market value at approximately $50 million over three years. For a Bears team prioritizing upgrades to one of the league’s least productive pass-rush units, allocating that level of money to a second cornerback could prove challenging.

Unlike Johnson, Wright’s resume includes only one elite season. While his upside is undeniable, his relative lack of sustained production across his first four NFL seasons introduces risk.

Could the Packers Pursue Either Cornerback?

The Packers’ reported interest in bolstering their secondary adds intrigue to the situation. Green Bay may have the financial appetite to pursue a proven player like Johnson if he were unexpectedly available.

However, Johnson’s combination of age, production, and prime-year upside would likely command strong market competition.

Wright, meanwhile, presents a different calculus: high upside, but shorter track record. Whether the Packers—or any team—are willing to commit $50 million based largely on one standout season remains to be seen.

Final Verdict: Johnson Staying Put Is the Smart Play

While cap speculation is inevitable this time of year, the idea of Chicago cutting Jaylon Johnson appears more theoretical than practical.

The Bears would incur heavy dead money, weaken an already inconsistent defense, and risk empowering a division rival—all for limited immediate cap relief.

In contrast, parting ways with Nahshon Wright due to market value inflation is far more plausible.

For now, Johnson remains one of the Bears’ most valuable defensive building blocks. Unless a dramatic trade offer materializes, Chicago is far more likely to restructure contracts or make smaller roster moves than to sever ties with its top cornerback.

In a competitive NFC North, stability at premium positions matters. And when healthy, Jaylon Johnson is exactly the type of player teams build around—not cut loose.