Last season, the Chicago Bears toed the line of being buyers and sellers ahead of the trade deadline. They acquired wide receiver Chase Claypool from the Pittsburgh Steelers but traded linebacker Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens.

This year, with the team looking destined for another top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they seem intent on being sellers. One of the players who could be on the move is star cornerback, Jaylon Johnson.

According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Bears have given permission to Johnson and his representatives to seek a trade ahead of the deadline set for this afternoon. A trade request was made by Johnson after extension talks with Chicago didn’t go well, as the two sides remained far apart on a deal.

Of the players who are known to be available, Johnson has vaulted to the top of that list. We have already seen some big names in the secondary moved, as the Los Angeles Chargers traded cornerback J.C. Jackson back to the New England Patriots and the Tennessee Titans traded safety Kevin Byard to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Johnson is likely hoping a trade can be consummated as it would improve his odds of landing that extension he is seeking. If he isn’t traded, there is a real possibility that the Bears use the franchise tag on him next offseason.

A 2020 second-round pick out of Utah, Johnson has played in 45 games with the Bears, recording three interceptions and 35 passes defended with 143 total tackles. This season, he has been playing at an elite level as his 84.4 overall PFF grade is No. 3 among 116 qualified cornerbacks.

There is a chance Johnson goes from the bottom of the NFC standings with the Bears near the top. The San Francisco 49ers have been one team linked to him according to ESPN, as they look to bolster their secondary for the stretch run of the season.

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