The Las Vegas Raiders defense has been one of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season. Despite having the second-cheapest defense in the league, per Spotrac, the team is eighth in points allowed.
The Raiders could choose to spend some real money on defense in free agency and there’s one name they should keep an eye on. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report believes the team should make a strong push to sign Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
“If the Raiders really want to find a starter in this cycle they’d be much better off actually throwing some real money at the position and signing one top option,” Ballentine wrote in a December 27 column. “Jaylon Johnson stands out as the best corner with real potential to sign elsewhere.
“Johnson has a career-high four interceptions this season with 10 passes defended and a passer rating allowed of just 49.7.”
Johnson requested a trade during the season but the Bears didn’t honor his wishes. He will be an unrestricted free agent after the season if the team doesn’t use the franchise tag on him. Raiders interim general manager Champ Kelly was with the Bears when they drafted Johnson in 2020 so there should be familiarity between the two. If Kelly is still the general manager next season, Johnson to Las Vegas is something to watch.
Jaylon Johnson Is No. 1 Rated CB, per PFF
Jaylon Johnson has been a solid cornerback since he entered the NFL but he’s never made a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team. That could change this season. He has a career-high four interceptions and has been one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
Pro Football Focus has him graded as the best cornerback in the league this season. He’s been one of the breakout players for an emerging Bears defense and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make an All-Pro team this year.
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