Optimism is whirling in the Windy City entering 2024, but Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson would rather provide results.
"I’m tired of just having upside and having potential," Johnson said Saturday, via the Chicago Sun-Times. "I want to be in a position where we actually go out there and we are that, and not just what we’re projected to be.
"It’s about action at this point. So the projections, the energy, the enthusiasm all feel good in the beginning because everybody, every team, every fan [says], ‘Oh, this is our year.’'"
Johnson plays a part in those growing expectations. The 25-year-old's lockdown coverage was essential for defense that turned a corner in the latter half of the 2023 season, helping the Bears win five of their last eight games and enter the offseason with a healthy outlook.
Chicago's picture got even rosier following an offensive overhaul during the offseason. The Bears made bold moves by trading for wideout Keenan Allen and signing running back D'Andre Swift, but those moves merely preceded the highlight addition of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, a quarterback prospect destined to bring franchise-altering hype. Selecting WR Rome Odunze eight picks later in the first round only furthered the excitement.
"All you can be is excited to be able to be here with people like that," Williams said Friday, via team transcript. "We got great vets, we got some good young guys, Rome (Odunze) and a bunch of other guys. Whether they are undrafted, whether they were drafted. Then we got some guys from other teams that are vets and been in the league. The talent and all of that can only go so far as everybody always says. We have to work together, build a bond, build the trust between each other and go get it."
Johnson, who was part Chicago's progressive offseason via a four-year, $76 million contract extension, has yet to see a winning season during his four years with the Bears. Their journey toward that goal began on Saturday as veterans reported for training camp. They'll be relying on rookies to help get them there, but now is the time to put it all together in order to reach new heights.
"We gotta go out here and we gotta prove it," Johnson said. "And I think that starts with Day 1, starts with [Saturday]. But that’s something that’s gonna carry on from now until the end of the season. Whenever that is -- if that’s playoffs or not."