With the free agency period for the 2024 NFL season just days away, Jaylon Johnson, Tyrann Mathieu, Drue Tranquill, and Ezra Cleveland received contract extensions from their respective teams.
Johnson and the Chicago Bears agreed to a four-year, $76 million contract extension. His $19 million annual average is the seventh-highest amount among cornerbacks. The former Utah standout doesn’t qualify for a fifth-year option because of being a second-round pick.
However, on March 5, the Bears designated him with the franchise tag worth $19.802 million. Two days later, both parties agreed to this extension, which will be made official on March 13, the first day of the 2024 league year.
Johnson earned Pro Bowl and Second Team All-Pro honors last season after finishing with 36 tackles, ten passes defended, four interceptions, a forced fumble, and a defensive touchdown.
Bears, CB Jaylon Johnson finalizing 4-year, $76M contract. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/4RvFpIQKSe
— NFL (@NFL) March 7, 2024
Meanwhile, Mathieu will remain with the New Orleans Saints on a two-year extension worth up to $13 million. After playing three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, he joined his hometown team in 2022 as a free agent. The four-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler played for the Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans.
Likewise, Tranquill will remain in Kansas City after agreeing to a three-year, $19 million extension. After playing five seasons for the Los Angeles Chargers, he signed a one-year deal with the Chiefs during the 2023 offseason. The Super Bowl 58-winning linebacker finished the regular season with 78 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Finally, Cleveland will stay with the Jacksonville Jaguars via a three-year, $28.5 million deal. The Jaguars acquired him from the Minnesota Vikings last October in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2024 draft. The offensive lineman from Boise State played nine games for Jacksonville last season.
-Lance Fernandez