Healthier Jaylon Johnson admits Bears defense has plenty to prove in 2026
Worried about the Bears defense heading into 2026? Cornerback Jaylon Johnson is right there with you.
After Saturday's practice, Johnson talked about how his group needs to step forward after finishing 29th in the league in yards allowed.
“Outside of takeaways, we finished bottom 10 to bottom five in a lot of categories,” Johnson said. “To me, we ain't done a damn thing.
“Of course, offense is relevant, but that's not something we can rely on — 'OK, offense, go put up 40 and then we'll hold them to 35.' To me, that's unacceptable.”
It's possible the first step to improving the Bears defense is a healthier version of Johnson. After consecutive Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and '24, Johnson played in just seven games last year due to an early-season adductor tear. And he clearly wasn't himself when he did play.
“The only time I wasn't in pain playing was probably the Rams (in the playoffs), maybe the Packers,” he said. “Other than that, I was taking pain medication, getting numbing shots. I was only 2-3 months out of groin and core surgery. For a corner, that's a tough position to be in.”
The defense had a good showing in Saturday's practice in Lake Forest, but maybe the wet conditions contributed. Safety Coby Bryant delivered the play of the day, a diving interception of Caleb Williams on a deep ball over the middle.
Even with nickel back Kyler Gordon sidelined by a calf injury, the defensive secondary looks solid. There's more speed at safety, with Bryant and rookie Dillon Thieneman. A healthier Johnson should make a big difference and Tyrique Stevenson is out to lock down the other corner spot.
Cam Lewis and Jaylon Jones split time at the nickel spot Saturday, while Lewis also took some reps as the deep safety with the second unit. Lewis is a free-agent addition from Buffalo and could play a valuable role at a variety of positions.
A better secondary doesn't necessarily solve the defensive issues, though. The Bears were bottom 10 in sacks last season and didn't make any significant personnel changes up front.
“We've still got to work on,” Johnson said. “I've got a lot to prove. People don't think I am who I am because of an injured year. Tyrique is on a contract year, he's got to prove himself. Kyler, when he gets back, he's got to prove himself.
“On the D-line, there's a lot of doubters that don't believe in them. They've got to prove themselves. If guys aren't hungry, I don't know what to say. We've got a lot of people that are motivated.”
Johnson also acknowledged this is essentially a contract year for him. He's actually signed for two more seasons, but as the second-highest paid player on the Bears ($24.5 million), another rough campaign and he'd be a candidate to get cut.
“I've got to put it on tape that I'm still a top guy in this league,” he said.
Saturday's practice was scheduled to be open to the public, but that was canceled at the last minute due to lightning. The Bears began indoors, with stretching and individual work, then moved outside for roughly the final hour. Monday will mark the first padded practice of training camp.