Steelers Listed As A Landing Spot For Tremendous Pro Bowl Cornerback Jaylon Johnson

The Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves in pursuit of Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson as the 2023 trade deadline was coming to its conclusion, but a deal failed to materialize. Since then, Johnson has had a standout season with the Bears, earning a Pro Bowl selection and an impressive 90.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus for the 2023 season. Johnson, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, has started every game for the Bears since his arrival, making 53 starts in total.

Despite his successful season, Johnson's four-year rookie contract with the Bears is set to expire, making him a free agent in March unless he signs an extension or the Bears use the franchise tag on him. Johnson's future with the Bears was reported on by 670 The Score. Johnson shared his thoughts on a potential deal getting worked on with the Bears.

"I think we get a deal done. I expect to get a deal done — let's say that." 

While Johnson's confident he will remain a Bear, Pro Football Focus has identified several potential landing spots for the talented cornerback, including the Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills, and Las Vegas Raiders. These teams could become key players in the pursuit of Johnson if contract negotiations with the Bears do not yield an agreement.

Steelers' Need For Cornerback Depth

The Steelers are entering the 2024 season with some uncertainty at the cornerback position. Levi Wallace, who received a PFF grade of 57.8 for the 2023 season, may need to be replaced in the upcoming offseason. This need becomes even more pronounced if veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson, who has expressed a willingness to transition to safety, makes the move permanently in the next season.

Despite the cornerback challenges, the Steelers have reason for massive optimism with Joey Porter Jr. emerging as a promising talent. The rookie cornerback is already making a name for himself and should become a cornerstone of the Steelers' secondary for years to come. However, to bolster the cornerback unit and provide depth, the Steelers may explore options in free agency, the draft, or potential trades, with Johnson being an intriguing target.

During the 2023 trade deadline, the Steelers actively pursued Johnson, but the Bears chose to retain him. Given Johnson's Pro Bowl performance and the Steelers' ongoing need for cornerback talent, the interest in acquiring him remains a viable option for the team. A formidable cornerback group is a cornerstone of success for any NFL defense, and the Steelers fully recognize its significance. 

Presently, the Steelers' primary focus is on the postseason, as they gear up to face the Bills in the Wild Card game on Sunday. Nonetheless, the prudent approach is to simultaneously initiate preparations for the upcoming offseason. Being proactive and ready ensures they can make informed decisions to fortify their team.

The adage "Stay ready so you don't have to get ready" holds true in the competitive realm of professional football. While the Steelers are locked in on their playoff aspirations, they are also keeping an eye on the horizon, proactively preparing for the offseason to fortify their cornerback corps and maintain their defensive prowess. 

As they prepare for the 2024 season, Pittsburgh must recognize the significance of addressing the cornerback position to maintain a competitive and formidable defense. The potential addition of Johnson to the Steelers' roster would bring a Pro Bowl-caliber talent to the secondary, offering stability and playmaking ability. It would also make the Steelers secondary a very daunting test for any opposing quarterback.

In a league where cornerback play is of utmost importance, acquiring a talent like Johnson could significantly bolster the Steelers' defense and enhance their chances of success in the upcoming season.

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