A healthy Jaylon Johnson could be a difference-maker for the 2026 Chicago Bears.
The injury bug has roughed up Chicago’s secondary all summer long. Cornerback Kyler Gordon began training camp on the PUP list, will begin the 2026 campaign on injured reserve, and it doesn’t sound like a return is imminent. Dontae Manning, Dallis Flowers, and Beanie Bishop Jr. will also start the year on injured reserve. Safety Coby Bryant is out 4-6 months with an injury. Tyrique Stevenson is among the cornerbacks who missed practice time and preseason action with an injury. It’s been rough to follow.
So if the Bears can get a healthy Jaylon Johnson, it could help a team with plenty of questions in the secondary stay afloat. And for what it’s worth, Johnson sounds up to the challenge. This is what Bears Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen had to say about Johnson when asked about what he has seen out of the star cornerback:
“The last two weeks, when you talk about the joint practice against Cincinnati, his mindset going into the joint practice versus Tennessee, I’ve seen a guy that’s taken a step forward. I think he probably feels more like himself, and I’ve been really pleased with what I’ve seen out of him over the last two weeks. His leadership has come to the forefront a little bit, and that’s needed. We need him to play at a very high level for us to be successful. And I think he understands that. I think he accepts that challenge. I think he’s looking forward to it.”
For more from the Bears’ defensive coordinator, you can watch his full media availability here:
The vibes have been mostly positive for Jaylon Johnson heading into this season. Johnson entered the new football year with a clean slate and seems to be taking advantage of it by showing coaches, teammates, and anyone who saw him at training camp that he can still perform at a high level. Remember how encouraging the early reports from minicamp were? Fast forward three months and it still feels like the arrow is pointing up.
And because at least one anonymous NFL executive believes Johnson will return to top form in 2026, I find myself excited to see how he plays. Don’t get me wrong. I still have concerns about the Bears’ pass rush. And I know that defensive line issues can make things awfully difficult for cornerbacks. But we have seen Johnson thrive despite not having game-changers in the trenches. I hate that we’re on the cusp of asking him to do it again, but Johnson isn’t the type to back down from challenges — which is something I find commendable.
Bears CB Jaylon Johnson | © David Banks-Imagn ImagesA Healthy Jaylon Johnson Is Exactly What the 2026 Bears Need
The 2025 season was a challenging one for Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson. He played in just seven regular-season games and spent time on injured reserve. But Johnson returned for the stretch run and played in both of the team’s postseason games. Johnson didn’t look like his old self, but it was admirable to see him out there and playing at less than 100 percent. Grinding through it all put into perspective how much it meant to play in big games. Considering the 2025 season was Johnson’s first on a team with a winning record since being drafted in 2020, you can understand why Johnson pushed himself to play.
JAYLON JOHNSON DETAILS PLAYING THROUGH THE PAIN IN 2025
As for the 2026 season, you can sense that Johnson has big dreams for the year ahead. The two-time Pro Bowl cornerback says he is treating this as if it were a contract year. Johnson is still playing under the contract extension he signed in the spring of 2024, but that deal expires after the 2027 season. If Johnson can recapture the magic that made him a second-team All-Pro selection in 2023, then a second big contract before he turns 30 isn’t out of the realm of possibility.
FIND THE BN BEARS PODCAST HERE: Apple | Spotify | YouTube
Hence then, the article about dennis allen loves what he is seeing from jaylon johnson was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Dennis Allen Loves What He Is Seeing From Jaylon Johnson )
Also on site :
- El Clásico: Barcelona vs Real Madrid Match Date and TV Channels
- Travis Kelce reveals ‘best f–king person’ at Taylor Swift wedding as he shares details on the big night
- Manning in New York? Is CJ Carr a star? The ‘rocket ship’ talent? Jets draft fits for the obvious and sleeper college QBs