The Chicago Bears announced on Tuesday that they have used a non-exclusive franchise tag on cornerback Jaylon Johnson. This means he will receive a one-year tag tender of $19.8 million.

Under the non-exclusive franchise tag, players can still sign with another team, but the original team can match the offer or receive two first-round draft picks as compensation if they don't match.

I like Jaylon Johnson as much as the next, but if a team loves him enough to sign him to an offer sheet under the non-exclusive tag, the Bears would be silly to match it.

Johnson had an impressive season in Chicago, with four interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown, across 14 games in 2023. His 2023 performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection. Although Johnson only managed one interception over his first three seasons, his standout year in 2023 was a game-changer. He has also accumulated 41 career passes defended.

Bears General Manager Ryan Poles expressed the team's strong interest in retaining Johnson with a contract offer at the combine. The team offered Johnson a contract with cash flow, guarantees, and contract duration to ensure Johnson's potential to enter free agency again before turning 30. However, despite the team's efforts, a deal couldn't be finalized before the deadline, emphasizing Poles' acknowledgment that "it takes two to tango."

The next negotiation deadline is July 15. Both parties aim to continue discussions and reach an agreement by then.

Johnson has expressed his desire to remain with the Bears despite receiving the franchise tag. Although the Bears have promising talent in cornerbacks Tyrique Stevenson and Terell Smith, both impressive in their rookie campaigns, they would like to retain Johnson's services, especially with other teams likely interested.

More Chicago Bears at Bleacher Nation

• I took a swing at predicting where the most notable quarterbacks on the 2024 NFL QB Carousel would land this offseason.

• Luis wrote about the Russell Wilson release's implications on the Justin Fields trade market.

• More on Jaylon Johnson:

Marquee Announces March 12 Cubs Game Will Be Simulcast Locally

Marquee Sports Network and Weigel Broadcasting Co. have announced that they will broadcast the March 12 Cubs-Brewers Spring Training game live on WCIU, CW26.1 in Chicago and on WCWW, CW25 in South Bend.

This means that the game will be available for viewing on regular over-the-air TV or cable for those who have access to these channels.

It is interesting that a Marquee-produced Cubs game will be available locally over the air. However, it could be very interesting if this is a step towards making more broadcasts available locally over the air as part of a revised distribution plan during a particularly troubled era for regional sports networks. Some other teams and networks have already taken this approach to local channels.

More Chicago Cubs at Bleacher Nation

• Brett has the latest on the Cubs injury front including notes on Nick Madrigal, Patrick Wisdom, Ian Happ, and Brennan Davis.

More Chicago Sports from Bleacher Nation

Chicago Blackhawks

• This week, Scott Wheeler at The Athletic has been releasing his heavy-lift prospect rankings across the NHL. Earlier this week, he dropped his top 75 drafted prospects (plus honorable mentions). The Blackhawks had five skaters named on his list. On Tuesday, Wheeler posted his top 15 drafted goaltender prospects. The Blackhawks have two of the top 15 on this list, the top two in Wheeler’s third tier.

Chicago Bulls

• Eli discusses the Chicago Bulls clutch numbers, which unlike all of their other numbers, are very good.

What’s on deck?

• The Cubs take on the Los Angeles Angels this afternoon in Mesa. First pitch is set for 2:05 PM CT, and you can watch the game on Marquee.

• The Bulls are in Utah to take on the Jazz, and that means another late-night tip-off (8:00 PM CT), so get your coffee ready! NBC Sports Chicago will have the television broadcast.