INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 19: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the Las Vegas Raiders stretches before the start of a preseason NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Raiders Wanted to Give Star CB Associated with Champ “Some Real Money” Kelly
The Las Vegas Raiders defense has been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season. Despite having the second-cheapest defense in the league, per Spotrac, the team is eighth in points allowed.
The Raiders could choose to spend some real money on defense in free agency and there’s one name they should keep an eye on. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report believes the team should make a strong push to sign Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
“If the Raiders really want to find a starter in this cycle they’d be much better off actually throwing some real money at the position and signing one top option,” Ballentine wrote in a December 27 column. “Jaylon Johnson stands out as the best corner with real potential to sign elsewhere.
This season, Johnson has defended 10 passes, a career-high four interceptions, and a passer rating allowed of just 49.7.
During the season, Johnson asked for a trade, but the Bears refused to comply. If the team chooses not to apply the franchise tag to him, he will become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. There should be familiarity between the Raiders interim general manager Champ Kelly and the Bears, as Kelly was with the Bears when they drafted Johnson in 2020. It will be interesting to see Johnson go to Las Vegas if Kelly remains general manager for the upcoming season.
PFF ranks Jaylon Johnson as the top-rated CB.
Although he has been a reliable cornerback since joining the NFL, Jaylon Johnson has never been selected to an All-Pro or Pro Bowl team. This season, though, things might change. He has been one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks and has a career-high four interceptions.
He is rated as the league’s top cornerback by Pro Football Focus for this season. He’s been one of the Bears defense’s standout players, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see him named to the All-Pro team this season.
What Will Jaylon Johnson’s Price Be?
Jaylon Johnson will be among the best free agents available in 2024 if he manages to avoid using the franchise tag. But the history of the NFL is full of examples of cornerbacks who, after successful career seasons, cash in and then disappoint when they get paid.
Johnson’s market value is $15.3 million per season, according to Spotrac. In the end, free agency might provide him more than that. According to Over the Cap, three cornerbacks earn $20 million or more per season. Is the Raiders willing to spend that kind of money on such a young cornerback? Here’s where Champ Kelly comes into play.
Kelly would have been part of the assessment of Johnson upon his arrival in the NFL. Given his intense desire to excel, he ought to be well-versed in the workings of the position as a cornerback. The Raiders had the opportunity to target cornerback J.C. Jackson in 2022, but Ziegler, the former general manager, was familiar with Jackson from their time together with the New England Patriots. The Raiders made the right choice in the end by choosing not to pursue him.
If Johnson receives a large payout from Las Vegas, Kelly must believe that he is worth it. Johnson, Jack Jones, and Nate Hobbs as a cornerback combination could be very effective, particularly if the team is able to sign Amik Robertson back in free agency.
