Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson’s message was painfully clear after returning an interception for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter on Sunday.
He wants to be paid.
After his pick-six, the 24-year-old celebrated with teammates, removing his helmet and staring into the camera while gesturing a Jerry Maguire-like “Show me the money.”
Johnson’s answer was simple when asked if his celebration had anything to do with the lack of an extension.
“You damn right,” he said via NBC Sports Chicago. “100 percent.
“I’ve been wanting to get to the table. At the end of the day, I know who I am, and I know I can play this game at a high level. I feel like I deserve to be paid like that.”
Given the Bears’ poor start to the 2023 season, Johnson, among other players, has been subject to trade rumors before the NFL’s Oct. 31 trade deadline.
🚨 @NBAxJay1 PICK 6 🚨
📺: #LVvsCHI on FOX pic.twitter.com/UQbV4ZMLlu
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 22, 2023
The former second-round pick out of Utah is having a breakout season. Johnson already has 15 tackles, including a tackle for loss, three pass deflections, and one forced fumble in five games.
Further, he’s given up just 89 yards on a 52.9 percent completion rate and a 28.4 quarterback rating to opposing quarterbacks.
Against the Raiders on Sunday, Johnson also collected his first two-interception game, including the pick-six as mentioned earlier.
Under general manager Ryan Poles, the Bears have seen more talent walk out the door than retained. Tight end Cole Kmet is the only contract extension thus far in the Poles era.
Johnson is projected to fetch a three-year deal worth $23.3 million, or $7.7 million AAV, according to Spotrac. With his performance on Sunday, he may have forced the Bears’ hand to get a contract extension done.
“At the end of the day, it’s not something that’s too much in my control,” Johnson said of the contract negotiations. “I know where I want to be, I know what I want to do, I know my value, so I’m just looking forward to the future.
“If it’s an extension, if it’s a trade, whatever it may be, I’m letting God take over and be at peace with whatever he has for me.”