Sources say Bears and Jaylon Johnson agree to 4-year, $76 million deal

The Chicago Bears and star Jaylon Johnson have agreed to a four-year, $76 million deal that includes $54 million in guaranteed money, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler.

Johnson is guaranteed $43.8 million upon signing and will make $28 million in the first year of the deal, according to sources.

The Bears placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Johnson on Tuesday, but general manager Ryan Bowles expressed confidence last week that the two sides would reach a long-term agreement.

The Johnson deal is the third major defensive investment in the past calendar year by the Bears, who also signed linebacker Tremaine Edmonds to a four-year, $72 million contract last March and signed Montez Sweat to a four-year, $98 million deal after acquiring the end of Defensiveness in trade with Washington leaders.

Johnson, who turns 25 in April, was named second-team All-Pro and earned Pro Bowl honors last season when he made four interceptions (including a pick-six), 10 passes defended, one forced fumble and 36 tackles. .

The 50th overall pick in the 2020 draft, Johnson played the fourth year of his rookie contract after being unable to extend his contract with Chicago before the 2023 season. In July 2023, Johnson said he understood at the time that his lack of on-field accolades — one interception over his three seasons The first – make it difficult for him to get a deal at the top of the market.

After the Dallas Cowboys signed Trevon Diggs to a five-year, $97 million extension in training camp, Johnson noted that the deal was beneficial to the entire defensive back market but did not think it would impact his negotiations with Chicago.

ESPN's Courtney Cronin contributed to this report.