Possible Steelers CB Target Jaylon Johnson Hints He’ll Test Market

The Pittsburgh Steelers tried to trade for Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson before the trade deadline, but a disagreement on the price of the trade led to the deal never happening. However, Johnson is scheduled to be a free agent and Pittsburgh could be in hot pursuit if he ends up hitting the market or is open to trading him after franchise tagging him.

When it comes to the Steelers getting a shot at landing him, it could happen. When Johnson talked earlier this week, he stated that his heart was in Chicago but his mind is on the money that he could receive.

“Heart’s definitely in Chicago, mind’s definitely on the money,” Johnson told NFL.com at Saturday’s Pro Bowl practice. “So, I mean, we’ll figure out if we can make them both come together and get something done. I’m looking forward to see what’s to come.”

The fourth-year-pro drew a strong market on the trade market, with the Steelers among four teams that reportedly showed a persistent interest in Johnson. The San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles were also in on the conversations surrounding the 24-year-old.

Johnson was the No. 50 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and the fourth-year pro had a career season. He shot his value up throughout the season and is now set to be paid well.

”No doubt. No doubt,” Johnson said about his status as an elite cornerback. “I think just, like I was saying, just through my career, just continuing to get better, continuing to get better.”

Levi Wallace, Chandon Sullivan, and James Pierre are free agents this offseason and the team will have to add a cornerback but with a deep draft, that could look to go that route. The team saw a promising rookie season from Joey Porter Jr. but has to make a decision on Patrick Peterson, who is heading into his 14th NFL season.