How Jaylon Johnson’s franchise tag impacts Bears’ 2024 salary cap

The Chicago Bears are placing the non-exclusive franchise tag on star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, according to various NFL insiders.

The move comes after the Bears and Johnson failed to reach an agreement on a long-term deal, although discussions remain ongoing with the goal of an extension.

If both sides can’t come to an agreement on a long-term extension by July 15, Johnson will play out the 2024 season on the franchise tag, which would pay him $19.8 million.

So how would that impact Chicago’s salary cap in 2024?

Factoring in Johnson’s $19.8 million cap hit, the Bears currently have $56.46 million in salary cap space, seventh most in the NFL. That’s still plenty for general manager Ryan Poles as he looks to address some key positions in free agency.

Johnson, a former second-round pick in 2020, is coming off a career year with Chicago, where he set a career-high four interceptions, 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 14 games while also emerging as a top cover cornerback in the NFL. Johnson earned his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods for his impressive 2023 campaign.