Nov 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson (33) returns an interception as safety Eddie Jackson (4) looks on against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Bears use franchise tag to keep CB Jaylon Johnson

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles used the franchise tag to keep cornerback Jaylon Johnson from free agency, according to multiple reports.

Facing Tuesday’s deadline to sign Johnson to a long-term agreement or use the franchise marker to block his path to free agency, Poles did the expected after negotiations toward a new deal came up short.

If he signs his tender, Johnson would be set to take home $19.8 million for the 2024 season barring a contract agreement with the Bears before the NFL deadline of July 17.

“I think there is really good space for us to find the middle ground. Again, we always have the tag to use, but I really would like to get something done long term,” Poles said at the NFL Scouting Combine.

A second-round pick in 2020, Johnson was the highest-rated cornerback in the NFL by Pro Football Focus in 2023, allowing a passer rating of 33.3 in more than 500 coverage snaps.

Talks that began more than a year ago have not been fruitful.

Chicago’s track record of not setting the market rate at a position even when re-signing its own free agents led to trades in similar situations. When linebacker Roquan Smith demanded $20 million per year, the Bears blinked and traded him to the Baltimore Ravens.

Johnson and the Bears have been at odds since the trade deadline in October, when Poles granted the lockdown cornerback permission to seek a trade. Johnson was hoping for a new deal at the time but said ongoing talks were progressing “slower than expected.”

“At the end of the day, it goes back to respect as well,” Johnson said after the trade deadline passed last season. “You can throw some numbers at someone and hope they take anything. That’s not what I’m looking to do. I’m looking for respect and security.”

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) celebrates a touchdown against Tampa Bay Buccaneers with wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during the second half of the NFC divisional round at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024.

Lions’ Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Eagles’ Jalen Hurts added to Pro Bowl

Detroit Lions rookie running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown were added Tuesday to the NFC roster for the upcoming Pro Bowl.

Gibbs is replacing San Francisco 49ers star running back Christian McCaffrey, whose team defeated the Lions in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. The 49ers will compete in Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas.

St. Brown is taking the place of Philadelphia Eagles injured wideout A.J. Brown, while the Eagles are sending two of their own to the Pro Bowl. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is replacing Niners quarterback Brock Purdy, and cornerback Darius Slay will replace San Francisco cornerback Charvarius Ward.

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Kenny Clark and Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham also were added to the NFC roster. They will replace 49ers defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and fullback Kyle Juszczyk, respectively.

Also, Baltimore Ravens guard Kevin Zeitler, New York Jets edge rusher Jermaine Johnson and Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and center Ryan Kelly have been added to the AFC roster. Zeitler is replacing Kansas City Chiefs guard Joe Thuney and Johnson will take the place of Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack. The Colts duo is replacing Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones and center Creed Humphrey, respectively.

Gibbs, 21, had 182 carries for 945 yards and 10 touchdowns to go along with 52 catches for 316 yards and a score in 15 games this season. He was selected by the Lions with the 12th overall of the 2023 NFL Draft.

St. Brown, 24, recorded a career-high totals in catches (119), receiving yards (1,515) and touchdowns (10) in 16 games this season.

Hurts, 25, passed for career highs of 3,858 yards, 23 touchdowns and 15 interceptions in 17 games (all starts) this season. He also rushed for a career-high 15 scores.

Slay, 33, had 57 tackles and two interceptions in 12 starts this year before having arthroscopic knee surgery in mid-December. This marks Slay’s sixth nomination to the Pro Bowl.

Clark, 28, had 7.5 sacks, 44 tackles and two forced fumbles in 17 games (all starts) this season.

Ham, 30, provides a presence in the backfield that overshadows his statistics. He had one carry for seven yards and seven catches for 25 yards in 17 games (five starts) this season.

Zeitler, 33, will be headed to his first Pro Bowl after starting all 15 games in which he has played this season.

Johnson, 25, recorded 7.5 sacks, 55 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 17 games (all starts) this season.

Buckner, 29, has eight sacks, 81 tackles, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for a touchdown in 17 games (16 starts) this season.

Kelly, 30, started all 14 games in which he played this season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 25, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni (L) and quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and offensive coordinator Brian Johnson (R) talk during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Eagles fire OC Brian Johnson

Offensive coordinator Brian Johnson is out in the latest major change for the Philadelphia Eagles, according to multiple reports.

The Eagles have not yet confirmed the move but head coach Nick Sirianni and general manager Howie Roseman are scheduled for a Wednesday press conference.

Parting with Johnson was expected after a sitdown between owner Jeffrey Lurie and Sirianni last week resulted in firing defensive coordinator Sean Desai. He was relieved of play-calling duties last month, and his replacement in that role, Matt Patricia, also is gone as the Eagles search for the right ingredients to return to the Super Bowl.

Johnson, 36, was in his first year as offensive coordinator, replacing Shane Steichen, who was hired one year ago as head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.

He previously served as quarterbacks coach and was credited in the run-up to Super Bowl LVII for aiding Jalen Hurts’ rapid growth.

But Hurts took a step back in 2023 and the offense hit significant speed bumps after a 10-1 start to the regular season.

Desai, 40, was demoted after lopsided defeats to the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys in December.

Desai took over in February 2023 when defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon left to become the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach. He oversaw a defensive unit that allowed 35 passing touchdowns (second in the NFL) and ranked 30th in red zone and third-down defense in 2023.

Desai came to Philadelphia after one season with the Seattle Seahawks as an associate head coach and defensive assistant.

Desai was on the Bears’ coaching staff from 2013-21, rising to the position of defensive coordinator in 2021. He was fired after that season when the Bears parted ways with head coach Matt Nagy.

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh holds the National Championship Trophy as he celebrates after winning 2024 College Football Playoff national championship game against the Washington Huskies at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan, Jim Harbaugh wake up as champs: ‘This wasn’t a dream’

The day after winning the national championship, Michigan fully embraced the reality of donning college football’s crown.

“It’s good waking up this morning, this wasn’t a dream,” said head coach Jim Harbaugh on Tuesday morning, seated between running back Blake Corum and cornerback Will Johnson after the College Football Playoff title game win over Washington.

Michigan completed a 15-0 season and claimed its first national championship since 1997, but big changes are expected before the Wolverines start their delayed spring practices around Valentine’s Day. One of those could be Harbaugh leaving for the NFL, a possibility athletic director Warde Manuel and university president Santa Ono said they are trying to confront head-on.

Harbaugh indicated he’s willing to tackle a tough conversation with the NCAA if there was a need to further talk about the sign-stealing investigation that led to his second suspension during the 2023 regular season.

“Yeah, anybody. I think they know my number,” he said Tuesday.

Harbaugh was still embracing the spoils of his first national championship, giddy over the prospects of a parade in Ann Arbor and not yet ready to talk about his future. He repeated that he does plan to make good on his word from October and get a “15-0” tattoo to commemorate the season.

Johnson, a sophomore whose third-quarter interception shifted the momentum back to Michigan on Monday night, said he’s not sweating what’s next for his head coach with the NFL hovering.

“There’s a reason they’re so interested in him. He’s a great coach,” said Johnson, who was named the most valuable defensive player in the CFP championship game Monday. “He deserves to be looked at in that light. But I’m not too worried about it. I know whatever decision he makes is going to be the best decision for him and for the team”

With or without Harbaugh, Michigan expects quarterback J.J. McCarthy to enter the 2024 NFL Draft before the Jan. 15 deadline. Corum, named most valuable player on offense Monday night with 134 rushing yards and two touchdowns, is turning pro.

For those sticking around, Harbaugh again beat the drum of college football revenue sharing with on-field personnel as a fix the sport needs to make, starting by giving players a voice at the table.

“It’s long past time to let the student-athletes, the talent, share the ever-increasing revenues. We’re all robbing the same train. The ones in position to do the heavy lifting are the players,” Harbaugh said.

Johnson said he’ll be front and center as the Wolverines carry the season-ending No. 1 ranking into a new year.

“We’ve got a great group of guys that will be back next year,” Johnson said. “Guys that are super talented in my class … older guys that will come back.”

–Field Level Media

Washington running back Dillon Johnson is helped off the field after an injury during the Huskies' final possession of a 37-31 win against Texas in the Sugar Bowl. Wednesday UW coach Kalen DeBoer said Johnson expects to play in the national championship against Michigan.

Washington RB Dillon Johnson proclaims he’s ready for Michigan

Washington star tailback Dillon Johnson remains banged up as the showdown with Michigan approaches, but insists he will play in Monday night’s College Football Playoff national championship game in Houston.

“I’ll be ready to rock and roll and give whatever my team needs,” Johnson said Saturday. “I’ll be ready to do it.”

Johnson injured his left knee and aggravated a right foot injury during the final minute of the 37-31 semifinal victory over Texas on Jan. 1.

Johnson initially hurt the foot in a 22-20 victory against Oregon State on Nov. 18.

In a normal week, Johnson might be standing in street clothes on the sideline. But that’s not a consideration with the national title on the line.

“I’m staying on top of my treatment and stuff like that, trying to stay fresh as possible,” Johnson said.

Johnson has rushed for 1,162 yards and 16 touchdowns this season to help highlight a dangerous Huskies’ offense that includes quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and receiver Rome Odunze.

Johnson announced his stardom with a career-best 246-yard, four-touchdown performance in a 52-42 road win over Southern California on Nov. 4. It was one of his four 100-yard outings on the season.

Against Texas, he scored two touchdowns but had just 49 rushing yards on 21 carries with a long of 7.

Washington coach Kalen DeBoer is unsure what Johnson’s workload will be Monday but he knows he will see No. 7 out on the field.

“We’re expecting him to play,” DeBoer said. “He’s been through this over the last couple of months, and he hasn’t missed any time there. He’s had a good week getting back healthy.”

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb isn’t expecting there to be any limitations per Johnson’s use.

“He’s done a great job the last couple days where really we were more worried about his foot initially, and now he’s really feeling good,” Grubb said Saturday. “Yesterday he was able get out there and move around. And so I think today he’ll take another step of practice.”

–Field Level Media

Washington running back Dillon Johnson is helped off the field after an injury during the Huskies' final possession of a 37-31 win against Texas in the Sugar Bowl. Wednesday UW coach Kalen DeBoer said Johnson expects to play in the national championship against Michigan.

Washington RB Dillon Johnson plans to play vs. Michigan

Washington running back Dillon Johnson plans to play in the College Football Playoff national championship on Monday in Houston while dealing with a lingering foot injury.

“There’s nothing as far as above and beyond what’s happened in the past,” Washington coach Kalen DeBoer said, adding Johnson was very sore after Monday’s win over Texas in the Sugar Bowl but didn’t suffer a new injury. “Just kind of throughout the game, he would reaggravate it and shake it off and go back out there and play. My thoughts are that he’ll be ready to go.”

Johnson gained 1,162 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground this season, including 49 yards and two touchdowns in the 37-31 victory against Texas before exiting with foot pain.

The Mississippi State transfer has also excelled in pass protection, which DeBoer said is an underappreciated facet of the offense in the backfield with Michael Penix Jr.

“Him being a first-year guy with us, he’s really the second half of the year come along as the reps have added up, and he gets more opportunities. He’s a big piece to it,” DeBoer said. “I don’t think I’d be able to sell it any other way. I think everyone would see through that. …

“Just a solid player all around and does a solid job of pass protection and keeping the pocket clean for Mike. Smart football player, understands his responsibilities, but physically able to take on all the different types of bodies that come at him pressure-wise or just helping in protection.”

–Field Level Media

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh's college football program is being investigated for sign-stealing.

Back in black? Jim Harbaugh favorite to be Raiders’ next coach

With speculation already rampant that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh might return to the NFL next year, there already is at least one vacancy.

The Las Vegas Raiders fired Josh McDaniels late on Halloween night, ending a disastrous 25-game stint a day after the team lost 26-14 at Detroit in front of a Monday Night Football audience.

Harbaugh was installed as the +500 favorite by SportsBetting.ag to be the Raiders’ next head coach. Ironically, the next shortest odds belong to Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson at +700.

Next Raiders Head Coach Odds
Jim Harbaugh (+500)
Ben Johnson (+700)
Frank Smith (+800)
Dan Quinn (+900)
Jim Schwartz (+900)
Kellen Moore (+1000)
Antonio Pierce (+1200)
Brian Flores (+1200)
Brian Johnson (+1200)
Ejiro Evero (+1200)
Ken Dorsey (+1200)
Mike Macdonald (+1200)
Raheem Morris (+1200)
Rich Bisaccia (+1200)
Eric Bieniemy (+1400)
Jerod Mayo (+1400)
Lincoln Riley (+1400)
Shane Waldron (+1400)
Lou Anarumo (+1600)
Bill Belichick (+3300)
Charles Woodson (+5000)
Deion Sanders (+5000)
Jon Gruden (+10000)

Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines currently are being investigated for potential sign-stealing violations. Should Harbaugh be suspended for any length of time by the NCAA, the NFL may impose the same length ban if he returns to the league, according to an NFL.com report over the weekend.

The Wolverines currently are undefeated and were ranked third in the first College Football Playoff rankings released Tuesday night. Harbaugh also denied reports that Michigan has pulled a contract extension offer that would have made him the highest paid coach in the Big Ten.

Speculation still is rampant that Harbaugh, who will turn 60 on Dec. 23, would be interested in returning to an NFL sideline in 2024. He took over Michigan in 2015 following a four-year stint as the San Francisco 49ers’ head coach.

Harbaugh began his coaching career with the Raiders, serving as the quarterbacks coach under Bill Callahan from 2002-03 before landing his first head coaching job at the University of San Diego in 2004.

Johnson, meanwhile, is in his second season as the Lions’ offensive coordinator and is expected to draw wide interest for coaching vacancies this offseason.

Similarly, Frank Smith (+800), is in his second season as the Miami Dolphins’ offensive coordinator. He served as the Raiders’ tight ends coach from 2018-2020 before spending a year on the Chargers’ staff.

All three could be coveted by multiple teams this offseason. While McDaniels was the first coach to be fired – he didn’t even make it to the halfway point of the season – several others remain on the proverbial hot seat.

The book is also offering odds on the next NFL coach to be fired, with the Washington Commanders’ Ron Rivera moving to the front at +150.

Next NFL Coach Fired
Ron Rivera, Commanders (+150)
Matt Eberflus, Bears (+200)
Matt Lafleur, Packers (+600)
Brandon Staley, Chargers (+1100)
Todd Bowles, Buccaneers (+1200)
Kevin O’Connell, Vikings (+1400)
Mike Vrabel, Titans (+1600)
Dennis Allen, Saints (+2800)
Kevin Stefanski, Browns (+2800)
Bill Belichick, Patriots (+3300)

(Odds provided for entertainment purposes only. SportsBetting.ag is not a regulated sportsbook in the United States.)

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Chicago Bears defensive back Jaylon Johnson (33) steps in front of Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) to intercept a pass before returning the ball for a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Bears CB Jaylon Johnson permitted to seek trade

Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles granted cornerback Jaylon Johnson permission to seek a new team at the trade deadline on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.

There are few doubts Poles is willing to unload Johnson, who is playing at a high level in a contract year but hasn’t been able to reach an agreement with the Bears on a contract extension.

Johnson, 24, said last week he was hopeful a deal would be struck with the Bears but described talks with the team as “slower than expected.”

Poles moved multiple defensive starters at the 2022 deadline, including linebacker Roquan Smith and defensive end Robert Quinn, and traded the No. 1 pick in the 2022 draft to the Carolina Panthers.

“At the end of the day, it goes back to respect as well,” Johnson said last week. “You can throw some numbers at someone and hope they take anything. That’s not what I’m looking to do. I’m looking for respect and security.”

But negotiations ceased without a contract agreement, and signs point to Johnson being shipped out of Chicago on Tuesday by the 4 p.m. deadline.

Johnson is tied as the third-ranked cornerback in Pro Football Focus rankings this season. He has two interceptions.

A second-round draft pick in 2020, Johnson is considered a target of the San Francisco 49ers and general manager John Lynch. Lynch said this week the 49ers would be targeting coverage help.

–Field Level Media

Oct 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson (65) against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Eagles RT Lane Johnson injures ankle, exits in first quarter

Eagles All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson limped to the locker room in the first quarter and was replaced in the lineup by Jack Driscoll. Philadelphia announced he was questionable to return with an ankle injury.

Johnson was slow to get to his feet following a scrum at the line of scrimmage as Philadelphia moved the ball against the host New York Jets on Sunday.

He was engaged with Jets defensive end John Franklin-Myers as D’Andre Swift was tackled into Johnson’s lower legs.

Johnson, 33, returned in training camp from offseason surgery to repair an adductor muscle tear, the injury he played through last postseason, and hasn’t allowed a sack since 2020.

Sunday marked his 132nd career regular-season start. He last played a full regular season in 2015, when he started all 16 games.

He signed a one-year extension worth a reported $33.45 million in the offseason.

–Field Level Media

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Conner Weigman (15) reacts after getting hit during the second quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Texas A&M QB Conner Weigman (foot) out for season

Texas A&M quarterback Conner Weigman will miss the remainder of the season with a foot injury, multiple outlets reported Wednesday.

The Aggies (3-1, 1-0 SEC) will roll with Max Johnson under center for Saturday’s showdown against Arkansas (2-2, 0-1) in Arlington, Texas.

Weigman left late in the first half of Texas A&M’s 27-10 victory against Auburn on Saturday with what was thought to be an ankle injury. Further tests revealed “a small fracture in his foot,” per the Houston Chronicle.

Weigman completed 68.9 percent of his passes for 979 yards with eight touchdowns and two interceptions through four games this season. The 6-foot-3 sophomore also rushed for 63 yards and two scores.

Johnson, who transferred from LSU last season, threw for 123 yards and two second-half touchdowns after coming in to replace Weigman against Auburn.

A 6-foot-6 redshirt sophomore, Johnson started 14 games for LSU from 2020-21 and made three starts for Texas A&M last season. He has completed 60.2 percent of his passes for 4,627 yards with 42 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

–Field Level Media