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Chicago Bears: 5 Cornerbacks to target in 2018 NFL Free Agency

By Carlos Nazario

Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images
Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images /
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LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Trumaine Johnson #22 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Los Angeles Coliseum on January 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 06: Trumaine Johnson #22 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts during the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Los Angeles Coliseum on January 6, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Trumaine Johnson (2017: 65 Tackles, 13 Passes Defended, 2 Interceptions)

Trumaine Johnson checks off everything you want in a cornerback — he’s a great tackler, he defends the pass well, and he’ll get you an interception. He is an athletic playmaker.

The Los Angeles Rams acquired Marcus Peters so that makes Johnson available. After another solid season, signing him will take some big bucks. He’ll probably get something in the area of $12 million per season. Additionally, the Rams’ other corner, Nickell Robey-Coleman, is set to become a free agent as well. Having Peters allows the team to re-sign Robey-Coleman at a lower price tag.

Many consider Johnson, along with Malcolm Butler (more on him later), to be the top available free agents. Recent reports have the Oakland Raiders and the San Francisco 49ers as the front-runners to land Johnson. Butler seems to be their second choice.

The Bears could get into that battle. They have about as much money as the Niners (even after the Garoppolo mega deal, they have over $68 million in cap space). The Raiders are at about $18.1 million, so them getting Johnson is a little more complicated. Of course, with many needs, the Bears may go after a better cost-effective option.

Johnson excels in press-man coverage. In 2017, he allowed just 43 yards playing that. He struggled a little in off-man, however. Johnson should do well in Chicago. Fangio does a great job of putting his players in position to succeed. Johnson would thrive with Fangio. I know the Bears cannot spend all their money on one or two players, but spending on a corner is something they probably need to do.

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