Kirk Cousins, Alvin Kamara among notable NFC cut candidates

Johnson played five solid years for the Bears, earning consecutive Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2024, before missing the majority of the 2025 campaign with a severe groin injury. He was largely considered a top-10 cornerback entering last season — though his contract lands just outside that range, with his $19 million average annual value ranking 13th at the position. So, why is he a cut candidate? Well, there are surprising cuts every offseason, and they usually come down to money. Johnson carries a $24.5 million cap hit in 2026, and the Bears could save $15.5 million by designating him as a post-June 1 release (their most lucrative option for that designation). Also, Johnson’s 58.7 overall defensive grade from PFF ranked 64th out of 98 corners with 400+ snaps in 2025, and his 12.2 yards allowed per target was seventh-most among corners with 20+ targets. He is still young (27 years old in April), but Chicago could do a lot with that cap space if GM Ryan Poles decides Johnson’s not worth the price tag anymore.