Jaylon Johnson wants Myles Garrett in Chicago & reacts to Saquon almost signing w/ Bears
In the world of the NFL, player acquisitions, trade rumors, and the constant pursuit of building a championship roster are always top of mind. The Chicago Bears, a team historically known for their defense and storied history, have been in a rebuilding phase in recent seasons. While the Bears have made strides on offense, there’s still work to be done, particularly in strengthening key positions to challenge for a Super Bowl. One player who is clearly invested in seeing his team succeed is cornerback Jaylon Johnson. Recently, Johnson made headlines for his strong opinions on the Bears’ future, particularly regarding the idea of adding one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive players: Myles Garrett. Additionally, Johnson revealed some intriguing insights into how close the Bears were to landing Saquon Barkley in a blockbuster signing.
This combination of bold thoughts highlights Johnson’s commitment to building a winning culture in Chicago and his passion for helping the team return to prominence. Let’s explore Johnson’s thoughts on both of these significant topics and what it could mean for the Bears moving forward.
Jaylon Johnson Wants Myles Garrett in Chicago
One of the most intriguing statements Jaylon Johnson made recently was his call for the Bears to trade for Myles Garrett, the star defensive end for the Cleveland Browns. Garrett, who is widely regarded as one of the best pass rushers in the NFL, has been a dominant force for the Browns ever since he was drafted in 2017. His combination of size, speed, and technique makes him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and his ability to completely change the outcome of games is undeniable.
Johnson, who has established himself as one of the league’s top cornerbacks, knows that having a player like Garrett on the defensive line would be a game-changer for the Bears. With Garrett in the mix, the Bears’ defense would be transformed from solid to elite. Garrett’s ability to pressure the quarterback would not only help Chicago’s defensive line become more disruptive, but it would also make life easier for the secondary, including Johnson. With Garrett drawing double teams and wreaking havoc in the backfield, opposing quarterbacks would be forced to make quicker decisions, increasing the likelihood of mistakes and opportunities for the Bears’ defense to capitalize on turnovers.
The impact of having Garrett on the roster would extend beyond just the pass rush. Garrett is a leader on the field, and his presence would instantly elevate the entire defense. Johnson, a key player in the secondary, would likely see a significant boost in his performance as well. The pass rush plays a huge role in how effective cornerbacks are, and with Garrett’s ability to pressure quarterbacks consistently, Johnson would have more time to cover receivers and make plays. With Garrett taking attention away from other defenders, players like Roquan Smith and Jaquan Brisker would also benefit from the increased pressure, enabling the entire defense to become more cohesive and disruptive.
Furthermore, Garrett’s style of play could inject new energy into the Bears’ defensive culture. Chicago has always prided itself on defense, and Garrett, known for his tenacity and relentless work ethic, would embody that identity perfectly. His presence would elevate the entire defensive unit’s mentality, setting the tone for how the team approaches every game.
The idea of Garrett joining the Bears isn’t just wishful thinking. While the Browns have made it clear they want to build around Garrett, NFL teams are always looking for ways to strengthen their rosters, especially when they have a player of Garrett’s caliber available for trade. The Bears could potentially work out a deal that would involve trading valuable draft picks or players in exchange for Garrett. Though the potential move would be costly, the benefits could be enormous, especially for a team that’s looking to build a championship-caliber defense.
For Johnson, Garrett’s addition to the roster would not only bolster the defense but also put the Bears in a stronger position to compete within the NFC North. Teams like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings have strong offensive units, and adding a pass rusher of Garrett’s caliber would ensure that the Bears could hold their own and, ultimately, take control of the division.
While Johnson’s desire to see Garrett in Chicago is an ambitious one, it reflects a larger sentiment within the Bears’ locker room and fanbase. The franchise has long been known for its defense, and adding a star like Garrett would be the kind of bold move that could accelerate the team’s rebuild and push them toward championship contention.
Jaylon Johnson Reacts to Saquon Barkley Almost Signing with the Bears
Another topic that caught attention recently was Jaylon Johnson’s reaction to the news that the Bears were in serious discussions to sign star running back Saquon Barkley during the 2024 offseason. Barkley, one of the most dynamic and versatile running backs in the NFL, was a key part of the New York Giants’ offense for years. His combination of speed, agility, and strength made him one of the most feared players at his position, and after a few seasons marred by injuries, Barkley was looking for a new home in free agency.
Johnson, always outspoken and passionate about his team, expressed his excitement at the prospect of Barkley joining the Bears. While it ultimately didn’t come to fruition, the fact that the Bears were reportedly close to signing the talented running back is a telling sign of their commitment to improving the offense. Barkley’s skill set would have been a huge asset to a Bears offense that has lacked a true game-breaking running back since the days of Matt Forte.
Barkley’s potential impact on the Bears’ offense is clear. As an elite pass-catching running back, Barkley would have provided Justin Fields with a reliable outlet out of the backfield, something that the young quarterback has needed in his development. Fields, still growing into his role as a franchise quarterback, could have leaned on Barkley’s ability to make plays in both the running and passing game, taking pressure off the quarterback and giving the Bears a much-needed dynamic weapon.
For Johnson, the idea of adding Barkley to the offense represented more than just an upgrade at running back. It would have shown that the Bears were serious about surrounding Fields with the best possible talent in an effort to develop him into a top-tier quarterback. With Barkley in the fold, the Bears’ offensive scheme would have been more balanced, giving them the ability to attack defenses both on the ground and through the air. Barkley’s versatility would have opened up opportunities for the entire offense to thrive, creating space for other players like Darnell Mooney, Cole Kmet, and, of course, DJ Moore.
The fact that the Bears were so close to landing Barkley suggests that the organization is committed to building a team that can compete in the near future. While it didn’t ultimately come to pass, the pursuit of a player of Barkley’s caliber is a sign that the Bears are serious about their offensive overhaul. For a team that has struggled offensively in recent seasons, adding a player like Barkley would have been a statement move that signaled the Bears’ intentions to win now.
Johnson’s reaction to the near signing was one of optimism. He recognized the potential for improvement that Barkley would have brought to the team. However, even without the signing, Johnson was quick to note that the Bears still have a lot of work to do to improve their offense. Fields, who continues to show flashes of brilliance, still needs more pieces around him to unlock his full potential. The Bears have made strides with the addition of Moore, but adding a player of Barkley’s ability would have given the offense the balance and explosiveness it needs to contend.
Though Barkley ultimately ended up re-signing with the Giants, the fact that the Bears made a serious push for his services speaks volumes about the direction they are heading. Johnson’s comments on the situation highlight his belief that the team is on the right path, and he remains optimistic about the Bears’ ability to compete in the near future.
What This Means for the Bears Moving Forward
Jaylon Johnson’s comments on both Myles Garrett and Saquon Barkley underscore the growing belief within the Bears’ locker room that the team is on the verge of something special. While the Bears have not yet reached the top tier of the NFC, they are certainly moving in the right direction. With a young quarterback in Justin Fields, a dynamic wide receiver in DJ Moore, and an improving defense, the foundation is there for sustained success.
Adding a player like Myles Garrett would solidify the Bears’ defense and make them one of the most feared units in the league. Meanwhile, pursuing a player like Saquon Barkley showed the Bears’ commitment to giving Fields the tools he needs to succeed. Both moves, if executed, would have placed the Bears firmly in the conversation for a playoff spot and beyond.
For Jaylon Johnson, these proposals represent a desire to take the Bears to the next level. Johnson understands that in the NFL, success often comes down to adding star power, and he’s not afraid to speak out about the moves he believes would elevate the team. As the Bears continue to rebuild and grow, Johnson’s leadership, both on and off the field, will be crucial in shaping the team’s future.
