Jaylon Johnson Sends Blunt Message to Jonathan Owens and Chicago Bears: Pay Me What I Deserve or Watch Me Walk.

The Chicago Bears have been one of the NFL’s most talked-about teams heading into the 2025 season. With new head coach Ben Johnson, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, and a retooled roster, optimism is higher than it’s been in years. But amid all the excitement, a storm is brewing in the secondary—and it has the potential to disrupt the team’s momentum before Week 1 even kicks off.

Star cornerback Jaylon Johnson has sent a loud and clear message to the organization and his teammate, safety Jonathan Owens: he wants a new contract, and he wants it now. If not, the 25-year-old Pro Bowler says he’s prepared to explore his options elsewhere.

In a post-practice media scrum that quickly went viral, Johnson didn’t mince words.

“I’ve done everything the right way,” he said. “I’ve played through injuries, I’ve shown up, I’ve shut down top receivers. It’s time for the Bears to show me the same respect. I want my money—period. If they’re not ready to pay me, someone else will.”

Friction in the Secondary?

Johnson’s comments come at an awkward time for the Bears. The team recently signed veteran safety Jonathan Owens to a two-year deal, reportedly worth around $10 million with incentives. While the deal itself wasn’t considered extravagant, insiders say Johnson took it as a sign the front office is prioritizing the wrong things.

“Look, no shade to Jonathan,” Johnson clarified. “He’s a baller. He brings toughness. But I’ve been here. I’ve earned my stripes. If we’re handing out money, I need to be at the front of the line.”

Owens, who arrived from the Green Bay Packers and is known for his versatility and hard-hitting play, hasn’t publicly responded. However, sources close to the locker room describe a palpable tension. The two defensive backs have had limited interaction during the early days of training camp, fueling speculation of an emerging rift.

A team official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “Jaylon wants to be recognized as the cornerstone of this defense. And right now, he feels underappreciated—financially and emotionally.”

A Season of Breakout and Expectation

Johnson is coming off the best season of his career. In 2024, he recorded 4 interceptions, 14 pass breakups, and earned his first Pro Bowl selection while anchoring a young Bears secondary that showed real promise. Advanced metrics from Pro Football Focus had him ranked among the top 5 cornerbacks in the league in man coverage efficiency.

“He’s the kind of guy you build a defense around,” said new Bears defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. “Smart, physical, fast, and mentally tough. You don’t find those guys everywhere.”

Which makes Johnson’s frustration understandable. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, the former second-round pick is due to earn just over $3 million—well below market value for a player of his caliber.

“Cornerbacks like me are getting $18 to $20 million a year,” Johnson said. “I’m not asking for anything crazy. I just want what I’ve earned.”

Bears Front Office Response: Silence… So Far

General manager Ryan Poles and the front office have not publicly responded to Johnson’s comments. When asked during a media availability about the possibility of a contract extension, Poles deflected.

“We love what Jaylon brings to this team,” he said. “He’s a key piece, and we’ll handle those conversations internally.”

That response didn’t sit well with Johnson, who views silence as a form of disrespect.

“Every day I go out there and put my body on the line,” he said. “But when it’s time for the organization to invest in me, we get ‘internal conversations.’ Nah, man. I’ve earned more than that.”

A Star Ready to Bet on Himself

If the Bears don’t act soon, Johnson could force their hand. He has made it clear he won’t rule out holding out of preseason games or even regular season action if a deal isn’t reached. That kind of move could significantly disrupt a defense expected to be the backbone of the Bears’ playoff hopes in 2025.

“I don’t want it to come to that,” Johnson said. “But I’m also not going to just sit here and smile while I’m underpaid and overlooked.”

One person close to Johnson revealed the corner has already received “feelers” from other teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins, both of whom are known for aggressive free-agent spending in the secondary.

“He’s not bluffing,” the source said. “If Chicago doesn’t pay him, someone else will—quickly.”

Teammates React: “He Deserves It”

Several of Johnson’s teammates have come to his defense, echoing the sentiment that the front office needs to get the deal done.

“Jaylon’s our anchor,” said linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. “You can’t let a guy like that walk. We’re trying to win championships, not rebuild every year.”

Wide receiver DJ Moore also weighed in: “I go up against Jaylon every day in practice. He makes me better. Pay that man.”

Even rookie quarterback Caleb Williams praised Johnson’s leadership: “He’s been one of the vets who’s helped me adjust. He’s a pro, and he deserves to be treated like one.”

Owens Caught in the Crossfire?

While Jonathan Owens isn’t directly responsible for the team’s financial decisions, his contract has inadvertently become a flashpoint in the dispute.

Some fans on social media have unfairly targeted Owens, suggesting he’s part of the reason Johnson is still unpaid. But Johnson shut that down quickly.

“Let’s be clear—this ain’t about Jonathan. He’s doing his job. It’s about the front office recognizing value. That’s it.”

Still, the perception remains that Owens’ arrival has complicated Johnson’s standing. Owens is expected to start opposite Jaquan Brisker, forming a hard-hitting safety tandem. Johnson, meanwhile, is demanding cornerback-level respect and compensation.

Contract Comparisons: What Should Johnson Earn?

To understand Johnson’s frustration, one only has to look at recent cornerback contracts:

• Jaire Alexander (Packers): 4 years, $84 million

• Denzel Ward (Browns): 5 years, $100.5 million

• Tre’Davious White (Bills): 4 years, $70 million

• Marshon Lattimore (Saints): 5 years, $97 million

Johnson’s camp is reportedly seeking a deal in the $18-19 million annual range, slightly below the very top of the market but well above his current $3 million salary.

“It’s not about being the highest paid,” Johnson said. “It’s about being respected.”

What’s Next for the Bears?

This situation puts the Bears in a precarious position. With expectations high and a young quarterback needing all the support he can get, the last thing Chicago needs is internal division. Yet, the longer Johnson goes without a new deal, the more tension is likely to build.

Some believe the front office is simply waiting until late in camp to finalize a deal, preferring to see how the roster gels. Others think the Bears are hesitant to commit long-term money until they see if Johnson can replicate last season’s success.

But the risk is clear: let Johnson feel slighted long enough, and he may take his talents elsewhere.

Jaylon Johnson is not a backup. He’s not a role player. He’s a shutdown corner in a league where those are rare. And he knows it.

His warning to Jonathan Owens and the Chicago Bears wasn’t personal—it was strategic. It was a statement: “Don’t overlook me while you reward others.”

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, Chicago finds itself at a crossroads. They can reward a homegrown star and signal to the locker room that loyalty and performance matter. Or they can risk alienating a leader at the peak of his prime.

The clock is ticking. And if Johnson’s tone is any indication, he’s not waiting forever.

“I love Chicago. I want to be here. But love doesn’t pay the bills. Respect does. Show me both—or I’m gone.”