A 24-year-old cornerback has been granted permission to explore a trade late on Monday night. The Los Angeles Rams’ secondary faced significant struggles in their recent game against the Dallas Cowboys, conceding 304 yards and four touchdowns to Dak Prescott and his team. Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick have received criticism this season for the Rams’ struggles in the defensive backfield, with both holding PFF scores in the mid-50s (Kendrick – 55.4, Durant – 51.2). Additionally, Kendrick faced legal issues last week, with an arrest on felony gun charges, raising questions about potential suspension for the season.
The Rams now have an opportunity to bolster their secondary as late Monday night, 24-year-old cornerback Jaylon Johnson of the Chicago Bears was given permission to explore a trade. This decision follows the failure of both parties to reach a long-term contract extension.
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Jaylon Johnson is a highly talented young cornerback with a PFF score of 84.4 for the current season. He has recorded 15 tackles, two interceptions, and has allowed only 11 receptions on 29 targets. He has also limited opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of just 37.3 when targeted and even had a two-interception game in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
It’s quite unusual for a player of his caliber, at his age, to be available midseason. While Johnson may not quite match the level of talent that Jalen Ramsey had in his prime when the Rams acquired him in 2019, there is a similar sense of opportunity.
Sources: The #Bears have given standout CB Jaylon Johnson permission to seek a trade. In the final year of his deal, a trade would make sense.
After days of discussions, Johnson’s agent Chris Ellison received permission around midnight. 16 hours to make it happen.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 31, 2023
Johnson’s current salary for the year is a modest $2.9 million, and the Rams have approximately $4 million in cap space at the moment, with over $50 million available after the season. This positions the Rams to potentially work out a long-term deal if they hope to secure Johnson’s talents.
Acquiring Johnson is expected to come at a cost, likely at least a mid-round pick, possibly even a second-round pick. However, it’s worth considering that the Bears would likely prefer to get something in return for Johnson, as he could hit the free agency market next season if not franchise tagged.
JAYLON JOHNSON GETS HIS SECOND INTERCEPTION OF THE GAME‼️‼️‼️🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/9HZFpPZwt9
— Lukas Galecki-Shofroth (@TGNCoverage) October 22, 2023
Comparisons may arise with the Rams’ decision to let go of Jalen Ramsey, but the key difference is that Ramsey is nearly 30 years old and would demand a much larger contract, potentially extending beyond his prime years. In contrast, Johnson is six years younger, could command a more reasonable annual salary, and be a valuable player for the long-term due to his age.
The Rams are in need of help in the secondary, and Johnson could potentially be the solution, not just for this season, but as a cornerstone in the defensive backfield for years to come.
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