Twitter reacts to Bears CB Jaylon Johnson getting the franchise tag

The Chicago Bears are using the franchise tag on star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, according to multiple NFL insiders.

Johnson, a former second-round pick in 2020, is coming off a career year with Chicago, where he set a career-high with 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.

Back at the NFL Scouting Combine, general manager Ryan Poles told reporters the organization was in the process of getting a contract extension done for Johnson, where conversations were going well are there was optimism about getting a new deal done. Poles made it clear he didn’t want to utilize the franchise tag, but it now serves as a necessary tool to continue extension talks while not letting Johnson explore other options.

The Bears have until July 15 to agree to a long-term deal before Johnson plays out the 2024 season on the $19.8 million franchise tag. Several NFL insiders reiterated that contract talks are on-going, where CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones even indicated a deal could be in place before the start of the new league year on March 13.

Here’s how Twitter (X) reacted to Johnson getting the tag: