Chicago Bears Star Cornerback Jaylon Johnson Sends Stern Message to Jonathan Owens and Bears Front Office: “Pay Me My Worth”

In the latest ripple of offseason tension and contract drama, star cornerback Jaylon Johnson has made his stance unmistakably clear: he wants to get paid—and soon. In what’s become a growing chorus of high-profile NFL defenders seeking deserved compensation, Johnson’s message isn’t just aimed at the Chicago Bears’ front office but also indirectly addresses newly signed safety Jonathan Owens, who arrives as a fresh face in a revamped secondary.

Johnson’s warning came during an impromptu media scrum after a summer training session in Lake Forest. When asked about his mindset entering the 2025 NFL season, Johnson cut to the chase.

“I’ve done everything this organization asked of me,” Johnson said, sweat still glistening on his brow. “I’ve played hurt, I’ve covered the top dogs, and I’ve produced. Now I want to be paid like it.”

It’s not just talk. Johnson is coming off a Pro Bowl season in which he posted a career-best four interceptions, 16 pass breakups, and solidified his place as one of the premier lockdown corners in the NFL. Still, as of mid-July, there’s no extension in place.

While general manager Ryan Poles has publicly stated that the team values Johnson and “wants him to be part of the long-term future,” the cornerback remains unsigned beyond this season. Johnson’s current contract — a four-year rookie deal signed in 2020 — expires after the 2025 campaign unless an extension or franchise tag is applied.

In the absence of a deal, Johnson is taking a louder stance, and he’s not afraid to raise eyebrows.

The Jonathan Owens Factor
Jonathan Owens, the former Green Bay Packers safety, signed with the Bears on a modest two-year deal worth $9 million this offseason. While his arrival was welcomed for depth and veteran savvy, Johnson’s comments suggest he’s laser-focused on how much the organization is willing to invest in its top defensive playmakers.

“No disrespect to anyone who just got here,” Johnson added, when asked about Owens. “But I’ve been here building this thing from the bottom. I want to be paid as a leader, not just a player.”

Owens, known for his physicality and special teams contributions, is married to Olympic gymnast Simone Biles and has brought significant media attention to Chicago with his arrival. But Johnson is clearly drawing a line between media noise and on-field value.

“This defense only works if the dogs get fed,” Johnson said. “And I’m the top dog.”

A History of Holding His Ground
This is not the first time Johnson has taken a firm stance when it comes to business matters. In 2023, he skipped voluntary OTAs amid early rumblings of contract frustration, though he reported on time for mandatory minicamp and training camp. Now, with leverage in hand following a breakout season, Johnson is applying pressure.

He isn’t threatening a holdout—yet—but those around the team sense a growing urgency to get a deal done before preseason games begin. Johnson’s value on the open market would easily surpass $18–20 million per year, and top corners like Jaire Alexander, Denzel Ward, and Trevon Diggs are making even more.

“He’s not bluffing,” one NFC executive said anonymously. “Jaylon knows he’s a top-five corner in this league. He wants to be paid like it, and he’s got the stats to back it up.”

Building for the Future—or Letting It Walk?
The Bears’ front office faces a tough decision. On one hand, they have a young and exciting core — quarterback Caleb Williams, wideout Rome Odunze, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and now safety Jonathan Owens. But to anchor that growth, they need a shutdown corner who can hold his own against the NFC North’s deep stable of pass-catchers, including Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown and Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson.

Johnson has proven that time and again, especially last year in a thrilling Monday night victory against the Lions, when he blanketed St. Brown in the second half and came away with a crucial interception in the red zone.

“You can’t replace that kind of impact,” said new defensive backs coach Kevin Minter. “You don’t just go find another Jaylon Johnson on the waiver wire.”

Despite the accolades, Johnson remains a humble yet fiery competitor. In recent weeks, he’s taken to social media to post cryptic messages, including a now-deleted Instagram story with a money bag emoji and the phrase: “They know what it is.”

His teammates have noticed the tension — and many support him.

“Pay that man,” linebacker T.J. Edwards said when asked. “Jaylon’s the truth. Every day he makes us better, and every Sunday he shuts dudes down.”

Ryan Poles Under Pressure
For general manager Ryan Poles, the situation presents a high-stakes challenge. He’s been heralded for reshaping the Bears roster with smart trades, draft picks, and cost-effective free agent signings. But extending homegrown talent like Johnson is a different kind of test—one that fans, teammates, and the rest of the league are watching closely.

Poles has insisted there’s no bad blood and emphasized the complexity of structuring long-term deals that keep the team competitive in the future.

“We love Jaylon. He’s a big part of what we’re building,” Poles said during a recent interview. “These things take time, and we want to make sure it works for everyone.”

Yet, time may be running out. The closer the Bears get to opening day without a deal, the more leverage Johnson gains — and the greater the risk that this becomes a full-blown standoff.

The Bigger Picture
Jaylon Johnson’s demands don’t just impact his own future. They send a message to the rest of the roster — particularly the young players watching how the organization treats its stars. With a franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams and playoff aspirations alive, the Bears cannot afford internal distractions.

That’s especially true in a division where every team is gunning for the top. The Lions are legitimate contenders, the Packers are resurgent, and even the Vikings, with rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, are building something promising.

For Chicago to compete, their defense must be elite — and that starts with a player like Johnson holding down one side of the field.

“I’m not trying to be a distraction,” Johnson clarified. “I just want what’s fair. I love Chicago. I want to win here. But respect goes both ways.”

Final Word: What Happens Next?
The next few weeks will be critical. If a deal is reached before Week 1, it could galvanize the locker room and set the tone for a season built on respect and shared purpose. If not, the specter of franchise tagging Johnson next offseason—or worse, watching him walk in free agency—will loom large.

As for Jonathan Owens, he’s taking the situation in stride.

“Jaylon’s a dawg,” Owens said when asked. “I hope he gets what he deserves. I’m just here to work and help this team win.”

Still, the dynamic between the new guy and the incumbent leader will be something to watch closely this fall.

Jaylon Johnson is more than just a cover corner. He’s a tone-setter, a locker room presence, and a symbol of what it means to grind from draft day to Pro Bowl status. And now, he wants to be paid accordingly.

The Bears have the resources. The question now: do they have the will?

Because if not, Jaylon Johnson has made it clear — he won’t wait quietly.