In a stunning development, former Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Tyrell Johnson has been waived by his new team, the Chicago Bears, after a season marked by unmet expectations and mounting frustration. Johnson, a highly touted prospect out of Maryland, was initially seen as a key addition to the Bears’ offense but was unable to live up to the promise he showed in college. This move comes as part of a larger shakeup within the Bears’ roster and signals a significant turning point in Johnson’s professional career.
A Promising Start at Maryland
Tyrell Johnson’s journey to the NFL began at the University of Maryland, where he became one of the most productive and dynamic wide receivers in the Big Ten during his college career. Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 215 pounds, Johnson possessed a rare combination of size, speed, and hands, making him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Over three seasons at Maryland, he amassed over 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns, and was widely regarded as one of the top wide receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft class.
In his final season with the Terrapins, Johnson solidified his status as an elite wideout. He recorded 1,200 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make spectacular catches in crucial moments. His standout performances in high-profile games against ranked opponents only increased his draft stock. As a result, he was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, a selection that had fans and analysts buzzing about his potential.
The Hype Around His NFL Arrival
Upon joining the Bears, Johnson was expected to be a key piece in their rebuilding process. With the Bears struggling to find consistent playmakers at the wide receiver position, Johnson was viewed as the type of player who could step in and make an immediate impact. The team’s front office and head coach Matt Eberflus were optimistic about Johnson’s ability to develop chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields, who was also entering his second season and was looking to take a significant leap in his development.
In training camp, Johnson showed flashes of brilliance, impressing coaches and teammates alike with his speed, athleticism, and catching ability. Reports from Bears camp indicated that Johnson quickly became a favorite target for Fields, and many expected him to be the team’s No. 2 receiver behind veteran DJ Moore. With his impressive skill set, there was a palpable sense of excitement surrounding the young wideout’s potential in Chicago’s offense.
A Disappointing Rookie Season
Despite the high expectations, Johnson’s rookie season has been nothing short of disappointing. He struggled to adapt to the speed and complexity of the NFL game, finding it difficult to maintain consistent production in a Bears offense that has been plagued by inconsistencies. In the first half of the season, Johnson failed to establish himself as a regular contributor, posting lackluster numbers. He registered only 25 receptions for 300 yards and just 2 touchdowns in his first 8 games, far from the explosive numbers that had been projected for him.
One of the primary issues for Johnson has been his difficulty in running precise routes and maintaining separation from defensive backs. Despite his physical gifts, Johnson has been often out-muscled by more seasoned NFL cornerbacks, and his ability to shake off press coverage has been inconsistent. Additionally, he struggled with drops, a significant issue given his role as a primary receiving threat. Many of his opportunities came on deep routes, but Johnson often failed to secure the ball in key situations, frustrating both his teammates and coaches.
The Bears’ offense itself has also been a point of contention. Justin Fields, while showing signs of improvement, has faced his own struggles as a passer, with inconsistent accuracy and an inability to build chemistry with his wideouts. The lack of a true offensive identity has only compounded the problems for Johnson, whose struggles were highlighted by an underperforming offense as a whole.
A Waiver Move That Signals Change
As the 2023 season progressed, Johnson’s lack of production became too much for the Bears to ignore. With his limited impact in the offense and the team’s need for a more dynamic playmaker, the Bears front office made the difficult decision to waive him. This move comes as part of a broader evaluation of their roster, as they look to improve at key positions for the future.
Sources within the Bears organization have indicated that the decision to waive Johnson was made with a focus on future development and roster optimization. While the team still has hope for Fields’ growth and is committed to building around him, it has become clear that Johnson may not be the answer at wide receiver for the Bears moving forward. Instead, the team is looking to explore other options and move forward with more reliable and productive playmakers.
While this move may signal the end of Johnson’s time in Chicago, it is not the end of his NFL career. Many teams, especially those in need of a deep threat at wide receiver, could take a chance on him. Johnson’s combination of size and speed is still an attractive trait, and with the right coaching and a more stable offensive environment, he could yet find success in the league.
The Road Ahead for Johnson
The waiver of Tyrell Johnson raises important questions about his future in the NFL. While he may have struggled in his rookie season, he still possesses the raw athleticism and potential to succeed at the highest level. The key for Johnson will be finding a system and coaching staff that can help him refine his skills and provide the necessary structure for him to flourish.
Several teams in need of a wide receiver could take a flyer on Johnson, and he could benefit from a change of scenery. A team with a stable quarterback situation and an offensive system that plays to his strengths might provide the right environment for him to rediscover his form. Johnson could also take the time to refine his route-running and work on his ball security, both of which were areas of concern in his first year in the league.
Johnson’s story is far from over. The disappointing end to his time with the Bears may be just the beginning of a new chapter in his NFL journey. Whether he lands with a new team or returns to the Bears as a practice squad player, the potential for Johnson to develop into a key contributor is still very much alive. However, it will require hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to improving on the flaws that held him back during his rookie year.
For now, Tyrell Johnson’s future in the NFL remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his talent is undeniable, and if given the right opportunity, he could still become the playmaker that many once envisioned him to be.