Bears, Johnson reach deal
The Chicago Bears and Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson agreed Thursday to a four-year, $76 million contract that guarantees him $54.4 million.
Two people familiar with the situation confirmed the financial terms of the deal, which was first reported by the NFL Network. The people spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the terms were not announced.
“We’re extremely excited to be able to keep Jaylon here for the next four years,” general manager Ryan Poles said in a statement. “He’s an integral part of our defense and his leadership will help our team continue to ascend.”
The move comes two days after the Bears placed the franchise tag on Johnson. He would have been due $19.8 million in 2024 had he not agreed to the extension prior to the July 15 deadline. He had said he wanted to remain with the Bears.
Johnson, who turns 25 in April, had four interceptions and returned one for a touchdown last season after picking off one pass in his first three years. He had 10 passes defensed and forced one fumble and was selected second-team All-Pro.
NFL
The Buffalo Bills began addressing their secondary needs by re-signing Taylor Rapp to a three-year contract extension on Friday, days before he was eligible to become a free agent.
The 26-year-old Rapp will now have the opportunity to take over a starting role after spending much of last season as a backup behind the veteran tandem of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde. Buffalo released Poyer on Wednesday as part of a major salary cap-related purge of players, and Hyde is contemplating retirement after completing the final year of his contract.
OLYMPICS
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics along the river Seine will be held during sunset, organizers said Friday.
It’s the first time an Olympic opening ceremony will be held outside a stadium setting. About 10,500 athletes will parade through the heart of the French capital on boats on the Seine along a 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) route July 26 starting at 7 p.m. Paris time.
MLB
Former NL MVP Joey Votto has agreed to a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
The 40-year-old first baseman became a free agent last fall after the end of a $251.5 million, 12year contract with the Cincinnati Reds, his only team over 17 major league seasons.