The Chicago Bears have been dealt a brutal blow just two weeks into the season, losing top cornerback Jaylon Johnson for the year.
Opposing quarterbacks always hesitated before throwing Johnson’s way, and that freedom allowed Chicago to mix coverages and give its pass rush a fighting chance. Without him, the secondary feels scarily empty, particularly considering Kyler Gordon has yet to play this year and Terell Smith is out for the season.
Tyrique Stevenson has been inconsistent thus far, and there isn’t much depth to write about beyond that.
Mike Pendleton of Bears Wire thinks Andrew Booth Jr. might be one of the most intriguing options currently available on the CB market. Let’s discuss.
CB Andrew Booth Named Option for Chicago Bears With Jaylon Johnson Out
GettyAndrew Booth Jr.is a free agent with connections to Al harris. Should the Bears sign him?
If Bears secondary coach Al Harris wants another name he’s familiar with, Andrew Booth should be receiving a call sooner than later,” Pendleton wrote on September 16, adding:
In a full circle moment that could be filled with irony, Booth was traded to the Cowboys for current Bears cornerback Nahshon Wright, who had a 74-yard pick six in the regular season opener. Booth is a former second round pick of the 2022 NFL Draft who spent his first two years with the Vikings before being traded to Dallas, where he played seven games in the 2024 season. If there’s any chemistry still remaining between Booth and Harris, he could be an underrated pickup for the secondary.”
Booth is still only 25 years old, so he has youth on his side. He was a five-star recruit out of high school and eventually turned into a playmaker at Clemson. In three seasons with the Tigers, he had five interceptions and 10 pass breakups, earning first-team All-ACC honors before declaring early. Minnesota bought into the talent, taking him 42nd overall in the second round of the 2022 draft.
Things haven’t gone smoothly since then. Booth’s rookie year was cut short by knee surgery, and he’s battled for playing time ever since. Between stints with the Vikings and Cowboys, he’s played in 30 games (four starts), recording 35 tackles and two pass breakups.
What Could Booth Bring to the Chicago Bears Secondary?
Booth’s stats aren’t eye-popping, but he’s had a few flashes. His primary issue has been staying healthy enough to be on the field.
Still, he could be a decent flier for a team in Chicago’s position. Booth was waived in late August, so he’s currently available. The Bears could sign him immediately on a cheap deal and see if a change of scenery brings out the version scouts once thought had Pro Bowl upside.
Worst case, he’d be a depth addition with starting experience. Best case, he stabilizes an outside corner spot that desperately needs it.
Johnson’s injury has left a hole no one on Chicago’s current roster can fill. Booth isn’t a sure thing, and he’s certainly not comparable to Johnson, but he’s young, talented and available at the right price. The Bears can’t afford to be
Former Vikings 2nd-Round CB Could Be ‘Underrated Pickup’ for Bears Amid Injuries