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Top cornerbacks entering free agency in the 2024 offseason
The Carolina Panthers have lacked cornerback depth for a few seasons now. Will this be the offseason where they finally address it?
Here are the top 12 free-agent cornerbacks of 2024:
Taking a look at free-agent CB options for the Colts.
There is some potential in the cornerback group for the Indianapolis Colts but it’s the same old offseason story of a position group with promise that should add a veteran in case they don’t live up to the billing.
General manager Chris Ballard has taken his chances in this scenario in the past and it hasn’t always worked out for him. If he wants to stabilize the group, then a top-tier corner should be pursued heavily.
If he can’t land one, then a veteran to push the younger corners has to be considered. Ballard also has to keep an eye on nickel corners if he doesn’t re-sign Kenny Moore II and could use one for depth even if he is back for the 2024 season.
We should note that we understand a handful of these players won’t even hit the market, but we’re working under the hypothetical scenario that they become available, regardless of how slim the chances are.
If Chris Ballard decides to add to the position group via free agency, here are 10 players that the front office should target:
Here’s a look at some of the NFL stars who could get a franchise tag before free agency starts.
The Super Bowl is in the rearview mirror, so it’s now time to start the second half of the (yes, very full) NFL calendar — the offseason!
(Trumpets blare, a triumphant bass provides a not-so-subtle underscore.)
First up, before we even have a chance to diagnose the chaos of next month’s free agency period, we have to examine the franchise tag status for a number of the league’s bigger names. No one wants to use a tag, per se — players who are ready for the open market, especially — but it is a backup tool to keep quality talent around for at least another year.
As a reminder, franchise tags are determined by the average of the top-five salaries at a player’s positional designation. Every NFL team also only gets one per offseason, and they are strictly on a one-year basis. Per Over The Cap’s current projections (they could always change), the current franchise tag salaries are as follows:
Offense:
Defense:
Let’s break down the most notable potential franchise tag situations around the league and determine which field tilters have a chance at actually hitting free agency. The deadline is March 5 at 4 p.m. Eastern time.
No pressure, everyone!
All cap and salary numbers are per Over The Cap.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson came away with the game-sealing pass breakup in the Pro Bowl, giving the NFC a win.
The Chicago Bears were well-represented at the 2024 Pro Bowl Games, where a couple of contributors helped the NFC to victory.
Star pass rusher Montez Sweat secured crucial wins for the NFC in the Move the Sticks and Gridiron Gauntlet challenges, so it’s only right his defensive teammate, star cornerback Jaylon Johnson, finished the job.
The AFC was down by less than a touchdown as they stood only a few yards from the goal line, and the NFC needed an outstanding defensive play to seal the game. Johnson answered the call, using the entirety of his large frame to bat away Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud’s pass from standout Chargers receiver Keenan Allen, claiming the win for the NFC as time expired.
.@NBAxJay1 seals the win for the NFC 😤
📺: #ProBowlGames on ESPN pic.twitter.com/3wCGaTo5ze
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 4, 2024
Johnson didn’t get much of an opportunity to demonstrate the skill that got him to the Pro Bowl in the first place, but he came up when his squad needed him the most. Johnson demonstrated tremendous growth throughout the 2023 season, producing a career-high four interceptions and 10 pass deflections.
Watch Bears star Montez Sweat helped the NFC to a key Pro Bowl challenge win.
The NFL regular season is over, but the Chicago Bears’ brightest stars are set on representing their city in the Pro Bowl.
The NFL’s best players gathered in sunny Orlando, Fla., on Sunday to participate in the NFL Pro Bowl Games, an event that celebrates the league’s most skilled players. The Pro Bowl tradition has been in effect since 1951, but the NFL did away with the dangerous pads-and-helmet Pro Bowl game and incorporated a much safer flag football contest, as well as several activities and challenges that incorporate every position.
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson and defensive end Montez Sweat were selected to represent the Windy City, and Sweat has already demonstrated his immense strength in the Move the Chains contest, which involves consists of two five-man NFC and AFC squads moving weights off of a titanic wall and pulling the 2,000 pound structure across the finish line.
The Bears’ star defensive end made certain his NFC team won the contest.
.@_sweat9 wasn’t sweating that weight 😅
📺: #ProBowlGames now on ESPN pic.twitter.com/mdh2WLoDZh
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 4, 2024
Sweat tallied 6.0 sacks and three forced fumbles in eight games with the Bears. He also became the first player in NFL history to lead two teams in sacks on the year, also contributing 6.5 sacks with the Commanders. Sweat had 12.5 sacks in totality.
Johnson rapidly ascended into becoming one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks this year, snatching four interceptions and batting away 10 passes. He’s participating in the flag football contest.
The Bears better reward Jaylon Johnson. Or else.
The Chicago Bears were seemingly very close to trading star cornerback Jaylon Johnson at this year’s trade deadline. Instead, amidst tenuous negotiations over his future, they held onto the 24-year-old building block. Johnson proceeded to finish with one of the finest seasons of his career while playing like arguably the NFL’s best corner, and put himself in an excellent position as free agency nears this March.
With Johnson earning his first career Pro Bowl appearance, he was asked about his personal plans for the future during Saturday’s practice. As he told NFL.com, Johnson didn’t mince his words. He loves playing for the Bears in Chicago, but getting paid and properly rewarded for his services is just as important.
“Heart’s definitely in Chicago, mind’s definitely on the money,” Johnson said “So, I mean, we’ll figure out if we can make them both come together and get something done. I’m looking forward to see what’s to come.”
There is nothing subtle about that quote.
Johnson played so well down the stretch for a rising defense that he knows he’s earned a massive long-term commitment. The Second-Team All-Pro doesn’t have to play it coy in public, and the Bears know that, too. It’s worth noting that in the event of a failed negotiation with Johnson in the coming weeks, Chicago could simply elect to use its only franchise tag, which would give the corner an $18.4 million salary next season, per Over The Cap.
It seems evident both parties would rather nip this situation in the bud and finally find a middle ground with a lucrative deal. We’ll see whether Johnson and the Bears can come to amicable terms before the March 5 tag deadline.
Jaylon Johnson wants to stay with the Bears, but it’s ultimately about whether they’re willing to pay him what he deserves.
Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson is celebrating a career year in Chicago with his first Pro Bowl appearance.
Johnson is set to hit free agency next month. While he’s made it clear that he’d like to remain with the Bears for the long-term, he’s also recognized the importance of getting paid like a top cornerback that he’s become.
“Heart’s definitely in Chicago, mind’s definitely on the money,” Johnson told NFL.com at the Pro Bowl. “So, I mean, we’ll figure out if we can make them both come together and get something done. I’m looking forward to see what’s to come.”
“No doubt. No doubt,” Johnson said. “I think just, like I was saying, just through my career, just continuing to get better, continuing to get better.”
“Probably the only thing I have [against me] was not getting turnovers,” he said. “But now, this year I started getting some turnovers, creating. I feel like I’ve always been an exceptional cover guy, so just being able to impact the game and make plays in the air is something I wanted to do, and I went out and did that. And now everybody knows I can take the ball away. So, I feel like there’s really not a box I can’t check.”
General manager Ryan Poles made it clear that Johnson isn’t going anywhere this year. Hopefully that means re-signing Johnson to a long-term deal. And, if worst comes to worst, Poles will have the franchise tag at his disposal to help extend talks.
Jaylon Johnson and Montez Sweat will represent the Bears at the Pro Bowl Games. Here’s a look at the events they’ll be competing in:
The Pro Bowl Games get underway this week, where the Chicago Bears will have two representatives: cornerback Jaylon Johnson and defensive end Montez Sweat.
Johnson will participate in two events at the Pro Bowl Games: Closest to the Pin on Thursday and NFL Flag Football on Sunday.
Closest to the Pin: This golf accuracy competition will feature five players from each conference. They will drive the golf ball, working to hit it as close to the hole as possible. The winner will earn three points for his conference.
Meanwhile, Sweat will participate in two events: Move the Chains and Gridiron Gauntlet, both on Sunday.
Move the Chains: This offensive and defensive linemen strength and speed competition takes strategy and teamwork. Each team of five players must work together to move 3,000 pounds of weights off a massive wall and be the first team to pull that 2,000-pound wall across the finish line. The winner will earn three points for their conference.
Gridiron Gauntlet presented by Snickers: A full-field relay race between six AFC players and six NFC players who show off their athletic prowess in a challenging obstacle course. They’ll break through walls and crawl under doors, among other obstacles, to get to the final sled push across the field with the ultimate goal of finishing first. The winning team of each race will earn their conference three points.
Johnson had a career-high four interceptions, 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 14 games. He proved to be one of the NFL’s best cover cornerbacks and unlocked the takeaway aspect of his game, earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods.
Sweat transformed Chicago’s defense from one of the worst into one of the best in the league. He had a career year with 12.5 sacks and 63 pressures, earning his first Pro Bowl nod. Sweat led both the Bears (6.0) and Commanders (6.5) in sacks.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson’s impressive 2023 season earned him a spot on PFF’s All-Breakout Team.
Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson had a career year during the 2023 season, where he emerged as one of the league’s best cornerbacks.
Johnson had a career-high four interceptions, 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 14 games. He proved to be one of the NFL’s best cover cornerbacks and unlocked the takeaway aspect of his game, earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods.
Johnson was named to Pro Football Focus’ All-Breakout Team for the 2023 season. He led all cornerbacks with a 90.8 overall grade, including a top coverage grade of 91.0.
With free agency looming, Jaylon Johnson likely made himself a lot of money with his 2023 performance. He was the only cornerback with a higher PFF grade than DaRon Bland (90.8), and he led the position in coverage grade (91.0).
Despite playing a hefty 530 coverage snaps, Johnson allowed just 25 catches on 50 targets for 195 yards and one touchdown to go along with four interceptions. Unless he gets hit with the franchise tag or signs an extension with the Bears, expect Johnson to be one of the most coveted players on the market in the 2024 offseason.
Johnson is slated to become a free agent in March, but general manager Ryan Poles has made it clear Johnson will be with the Bears in 2024. Whether that means signing Johnson to a lucrative, multi-year extension or using the franchise tag remains to be seen. But it’s clear Poles understands the importance of Johnson to this young, ascending defense looking to take the next step in 2024.
The accolades keep rolling in for Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
The accolades keep rolling in for Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Johnson is coming off a career year, where he established himself as one of the NFL’s best cover corners. He totaled a career-high four interceptions, 36 tackles and 10 pass breakups in 14 games. Johnson was the highest-graded cornerback by Pro Football Focus with a 90.8 grade for the 2023 season.
Johnson has been recognized for his impressive season, including earning his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro nods. Now, Johnson has been named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-NFC team.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson was named to the @PFWAwriters All-NFC team.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) January 22, 2024
Johnson is set to hit the free agent market this March, but general manager Ryan Poles made it clear that it won’t come to that.
“Jaylon’s not going to go anywhere,” Poles said during his end-of-year press conference on Jan. 10.
The ideal outcome is both sides are able to agree on a long-term deal — and it certainly feels like it’s heading in that direction. But the Bears could use the franchise tag, which would pay Johnson the average of the top five salaries at his position, projected to be in the $18.41 million range according to Over The Cap.
But the message this offseason has been clear: Johnson will be back with the Bears in 2024.
