{"id":155491,"date":"2026-02-23T07:13:13","date_gmt":"2026-02-23T07:13:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=155491"},"modified":"2026-02-23T07:13:13","modified_gmt":"2026-02-23T07:13:13","slug":"report-bombshell-in-chicago-chicago-bears-star-with-76-million-deal-suddenly-linked-to-potential-release-and-the-green-bay-packers-are-watching-closely-a-cut-of-this-magnitude-could-instantly-re","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=155491","title":{"rendered":"REPORT!! Bombshell in Chicago: Chicago Bears Star with $76 Million Deal Suddenly Linked to Potential Release, and the Green Bay Packers Are Watching Closely. A cut of this magnitude could instantly reshape the division\u2019s balance of power."},"content":{"rendered":"
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The Chicago Bears<\/span><\/span> don\u2019t have many obvious cap-clearing \u201chome run\u201d cut candidates heading into the new NFL year. However, one surprising name has surfaced in speculation: two-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n

\"Bears<\/p>\n

The theory, floated by Bill Huber<\/span><\/span> of Sports Illustrated<\/span><\/span>, 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<\/span><\/span> if he were to hit the open market.<\/p>\n

While the idea has generated headlines, a deeper dive into the Bears\u2019 cap situation and Johnson\u2019s value makes such a move highly unlikely.<\/p>\n

Why Jaylon Johnson\u2019s Contract Sparked Speculation<\/h2>\n

Johnson signed a four-year, $76 million contract extension in March 2024, cementing his status as a foundational piece of Chicago\u2019s defense. However, his upcoming cap numbers are significant:<\/p>\n

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  • \n

    $24.5 million cap hit in 2026<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  • \n

    $25.0 million cap hit in 2027<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    At the time of Huber\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

    Still, the optics of a $24+ million cap charge for a player who appeared in just seven games in 2025\u2014due to injuries\u2014naturally invite scrutiny.<\/p>\n

    The Financial Reality: Cutting Johnson Makes Little Sense<\/h2>\n

    Despite the attention-grabbing nature of the rumor, the financial math works against a release.<\/p>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    A post-June 1 designation would create $15.5 million in savings, but that cap relief would not materialize until later in the summer\u2014well after the primary wave of free agency concludes.<\/p>\n

    From a roster-building standpoint, weakening an already inconsistent defense for minimal early savings would be difficult to justify.<\/p>\n

    Jaylon Johnson Remains an Elite Coverage Corner<\/h2>\n

    Even in an injury-shortened 2025 season, Johnson\u2019s overall body of work remains impressive. Over the past four seasons:<\/p>\n

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    • \n

      7 interceptions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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      6 touchdowns allowed<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      Three consecutive seasons allowing a passer rating below 90.0<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      He will turn 27 before the upcoming NFL Draft, meaning he remains squarely in his prime years.<\/p>\n

      While Johnson has faced criticism for inconsistent tackling, his coverage ability ranks among the league\u2019s best. In today\u2019s pass-heavy NFL, lockdown cornerbacks capable of neutralizing WR1s are premium assets.<\/p>\n

      Letting such a player walk\u2014particularly to a division rival like Green Bay\u2014would be a risky organizational decision.<\/p>\n

      Injuries Were the Bigger Issue in 2025<\/h2>\n

      \"Bears<\/p>\n

      Johnson\u2019s 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<\/span><\/span> during a lopsided road loss that marked a low point in Chicago\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n

      When healthy, Johnson continues to perform at a Pro Bowl level. The key for the Bears moving forward is durability\u2014not talent.<\/p>\n

      A More Likely Departure: Nahshon Wright<\/h2>\n

      If Chicago is going to lose a cornerback this offseason, the more plausible candidate is Nahshon Wright<\/span><\/span>.<\/p>\n

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

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      • \n

        11 passes defended<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        5 interceptions<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        3 tackles for loss<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        2 forced fumbles<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

      • \n

        1 defensive touchdown<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Spotrac projects Wright\u2019s market value at approximately $50 million over three years. For a Bears team prioritizing upgrades to one of the league\u2019s least productive pass-rush units, allocating that level of money to a second cornerback could prove challenging.<\/p>\n

        Unlike Johnson, Wright\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

        Could the Packers Pursue Either Cornerback?<\/h2>\n

        The Packers\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

        However, Johnson\u2019s combination of age, production, and prime-year upside would likely command strong market competition.<\/p>\n

        Wright, meanwhile, presents a different calculus: high upside, but shorter track record. Whether the Packers\u2014or any team\u2014are willing to commit $50 million based largely on one standout season remains to be seen.<\/p>\n

        Final Verdict: Johnson Staying Put Is the Smart Play<\/h2>\n

        \"Bears<\/p>\n

        While cap speculation is inevitable this time of year, the idea of Chicago cutting Jaylon Johnson appears more theoretical than practical.<\/p>\n

        The Bears would incur heavy dead money, weaken an already inconsistent defense, and risk empowering a division rival\u2014all for limited immediate cap relief.<\/p>\n

        In contrast, parting ways with Nahshon Wright due to market value inflation is far more plausible.<\/p>\n

        For now, Johnson remains one of the Bears\u2019 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.<\/p>\n

        In a competitive NFC North, stability at premium positions matters. And when healthy, Jaylon Johnson is exactly the type of player teams build around\u2014not cut loose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        The Chicago Bears don\u2019t have many obvious cap-clearing \u201chome run\u201d cut candidates heading into the new NFL year. However, one surprising name has surfaced in speculation: two-time… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":155499,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-155491","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nfl"],"yoast_head":"\nREPORT!! Bombshell in Chicago: Chicago Bears Star with $76 Million Deal Suddenly Linked to Potential Release, and the Green Bay Packers Are Watching Closely. 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