Bears Create $8M Cap Space with Jaylon Johnson Restructure

The Chicago Bears have restructured cornerback Jaylon Johnson's contract to create $8 million in salary cap space for the 2025 season, providing the team with more financial flexibility to make potential moves before the season starts. Johnson, a key defender and two-time Pro Bowler, is in the second year of his four-year, $76 million deal signed in 2024, and the restructuring shifts some cap hit to future years without materially changing his pay. Despite a groin injury that sidelined him during training camp, Johnson denied any contract-related motives for his absence and expects to play in the season opener. The cap space gained by the Bears joins similar moves by the Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons, who also restructured contracts to manage tight salary caps. The Bears' need for depth, especially at edge rusher, suggests the team may use this cap space to pursue additional players, such as defensive end Isaiah Foskey, who recently worked out with the team. Johnson's reliability and leadership in the secondary remain pivotal as the Bears navigate roster challenges heading into the new NFL season.