Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles granted cornerback Jaylon Johnson permission to seek a new team at the trade deadline on Tuesday, but the Bears ultimately kept their top cover man.

The Bears acquired defensive end Montez Sweat from the Washington Commanders for a second-round pick and reportedly wanted a pick in the same range to unload Johnson.

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.”

It remains to be seen if the Bears will re-open negotiations with Johnson or wait until February, when the franchise tag becomes a consideration. Recent conversations geared toward a long-term deal ceased without a contract agreement.

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 was considered a target of the San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday.

–Field Level Media