Jaylon Johnson would “100%” wish to signal a contract extension with the Chicago Bears this offseason, he stated after wrapping up follow Wednesday at Halas Hall.
But the fourth-year beginning cornerback reiterated that his absence in the course of the first two weeks of organized crew actions didn’t have something to do along with his contract.
Johnson returned to Lake Forest this week for the ultimate stretch of OTAs earlier than veteran minicamp subsequent week, ramping up first in particular person drills and now in crew drills. He stated on an ESPN radio present final week and once more Wednesday that he skipped the sooner voluntary classes as a result of he needed to spend time along with his 3-year-old daughter of their hometown of Fresno, Calif., the place he additionally ran an occasion for his charity final weekend.
“Before I’m a football player, before I’m anything, I’m a dad first,” Johnson stated. “I don’t get to spend an excessive amount of time together with her in the course of the season as a result of she’s again at house in California. In the offseason, I take delight in being a dad. … I’m current. I’m spending time. I’m placing my coronary heart into my daughter. When it involves the offseason, I take that severely.
“I communicated that to the coaches and they understood and hopefully respected it. At the end of the day, I’m going to be there for my daughter because they can find another corner. My daughter can’t find another dad.”
Johnson was one in all three starters to return this week after absences.
Safety Eddie Jackson was again after recovering from a Lisfranc harm in his left foot that ended his 2022 season, and new proper guard Nate Davis additionally practiced. Offensive coordinator Luke Getsy stated Davis had been at Halas Hall earlier this offseason, however Davis was not current on the two earlier OTA practices open to the media.
Johnson’s absence final month was of curiosity as a result of he’s one of some gamers doubtlessly in line for a contract extension, and the Bears went by way of a “hold-in” with linebacker Roquan Smith throughout coaching camp final 12 months. General supervisor Ryan Poles expressed an curiosity earlier this offseason — unprompted — to maintain Johnson with the Bears.
Johnson, who plans to rent a brand new agent, stated he seems ahead “to staying and extending with the Bears.” But he stated he isn’t anxious about securing an extension earlier than coaching camp and is focusing as an alternative on what he can do to enhance his recreation.
“I’m not worried about the timing of it,” he stated. “God’s will will happen. If it’s before, during, whenever it is, I’m not stressed about it. I’m not putting too much pressure on it. At the end of the day, it’s really above me at this point.”
Johnson stated he sat in crew conferences by way of Zoom and stayed in frequent contact with new cornerbacks coach Jon Hoke and teammate Kindle Vildor whereas he was away. Now he has a handful of practices to atone for anything he missed.
“I’m a pro,” Johnson stated. “I’ve been in this long enough. I know how to go about it. I know how to work out, stay in shape, continue to do what I need to do along with handling my business at home. Really just going through the installs. Just being active.”
The returns of Jackson and Davis have been necessary for various causes.
Davis’ arrival permits the Bears to follow with their whole anticipated beginning offensive line, which was reshaped this offseason after they signed Davis, drafted proper sort out Darnell Wright, moved Teven Jenkins to left guard subsequent to returning left sort out Braxton Jones and despatched Cody Whitehair again to middle. Coach Matt Eberflus stated Davis regarded lean and was transferring properly.
“Just the chemistry part of it that you really want, right? That’s why you want all the guys here,” Getsy stated. “You want them to get to know each other at a different level. Teammates that play with each other each and every day, spend time with each other outside of the building, I think that’s important stuff. As much as anything this time of the year, it’s really important for us to dive into that aspect.”
Jackson hasn’t performed since he was injured Nov. 27 towards the New York Jets. He was having a resurgent season with 4 interceptions and 6 passes defended in 12 video games earlier than the harm. The Bears are also ramping up his work first in particular person after which crew drills as he prepares for his seventh season.
“Eddie has worked his tail off to get back to where he is,” Eberflus stated. “He’s in actually good condition for working with the rehab workers, and I need to commend these guys, the coaching workers, for getting him again and commend Eddie additionally for the exhausting work that he’s put in to get so far.
“He looks at adversity as opportunity. And that’s a great way to look at it. When you see adversity hits, he sees opportunity to show greatness and to get stronger.”
Wide receiver Darnell Mooney stays out as he recovers from ankle surgical procedure, and Eberflus stated he expects Mooney to be again for coaching camp. Wide receiver Chase Claypool, who has been coping with a gentle tissue harm, didn’t follow. Linebacker Jack Sanborn and rookie cornerback Terell Smith additionally have been out.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com