Jaylon Johnson’s return to the Chicago Bears in 2024 was all but certain, especially after the NFC North team applied a nonexclusive franchise tag on him just before the deadline. Now, he has solidified his presence in the Windy City for the foreseeable future. Chicago and Johnson, engaged in extension negotiations for over a year, have reached an agreement on a substantial four-year, $76 million contract, with $54 million guaranteed, solidifying his role as a cornerstone of Chicago’s secondary as they look ahead to a promising future in 2024.
But what relevance does Johnson’s contract hold for the Houston Texans? It likely sets a new benchmark for the potential future negotiations involving Derek Stingley Jr. entering the 2025 season, provided he continues to progress under second-year coach DeMeco Ryans. The significance of cornerbacks has surged in the past decade as teams increasingly prioritize bolstering their passing games, necessitating investments in top-tier cornerbacks to counter the offensive threats posed by elite receivers.
Stingley, selected third overall in the 2022 draft, showcased his talent in his second year, contributing significantly as Houston secured its first division title in four years. Despite missing six games due to injury, his impact on the field was undeniable, earning an impressive 81.4 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus. Stingley’s success inevitably raises the bar for cornerback contracts, with his performance likely influencing the market dynamics, alongside players like Johnson and Jarius Sneed.
Johnson’s contract, making him one of the highest-paid cornerbacks with $43.8 million guaranteed, serves as a reference point for evaluating Stingley’s future worth. As Stingley continues to demonstrate his prowess on the field, his value will only escalate, potentially justifying a lucrative extension following the 2024 season. With cornerback becoming an increasingly prized commodity in the NFL, the Texans, currently well-positioned in terms of cap space, have the opportunity to secure Stingley’s services for the long term.
Ultimately, Stingley’s trajectory and market value will be closely monitored, with Johnson’s deal serving as a baseline for future negotiations. As Stingley matures into a potential elite cornerback, his impact on the field will undoubtedly influence his contractual demands, potentially making Johnson’s contract a bargain in hindsight.
