Bears ink rookies Jaylon Johnson, Lachavious Simmons to contracts

As rookies are permitted to start reporting to training camp, the Bears are starting to sign their 2020 rookie class.

As rookies are permitted to start reporting to training camp today, the Chicago Bears are beginning to sign their 2020 rookie class. Which makes sense given the uncertainty about safety concerns earlier this offseason.

Second-round cornerback Jaylon Johnson announced on Twitter that he had signed his rookie contract. Johnson, pegged by many as a top-three cornerback prospect, could wind up being one of the biggest steals of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Johnson will be among a slew of cornerbacks competing for the starting job opposite Kyle Fuller. He’ll battle the likes of veterans Kevin Toliver and Artie Burns and CFL star Tre Roberson. Still, Johnson figures to be the favorite to win the job, although he’ll have to do it without the benefit of a preseason.

Some teams were concerned about his past shoulder injuries, but general manager Ryan Pace saw the upside in Johnson and didn’t hesitate to take him. Not unlike teams overlooking safety Eddie Jackson in the 2017 NFL Draft, where Pace selected him in the fourth round, and Jackson has been Pace’s best draft pick. We’ll have to wait and see what Johnson is able to do for Chicago.

Offensive lineman Lachavious Simmons also signed with the Bears on Tuesday. The seventh-rounder out of Tennessee State started all 12 games for the Tigers, where he played seven at guard and five at tackle.

Simmons will serve as a developmental prospect for the Bears, providing versatility across the offensive line.

Expect more Bears rookies to sign their deals and for official announcements from the team.

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