The Chicago Bears Signed Veteran Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson

After a visit to the Chicago Bears on Tuesday, Gardner-Johnson signed with the Bears the following day. Johnson spent the beginning of 2025 bouncing around from the Houston Texans after being released after Week 3. He then found himself on the Ravens' practice squad and was released shortly after due to “an amicable mutual decision,” according to ESPN.

The 27-year-old, who has been in the league since 2019, has a ton of experience, including playoff experience, with 13 games played. 

The Bears are still over .500 and still in playoff contention with a 4-3 record. 

The Bears are missing most, if not all, of their stars in the secondary. Kyler Gordon will be out at least three more weeks, Jaylon Johnson will be sidelined indefinitely after surgery, and Tyrique Stevenson was injured after Week 7 but has been seen practicing this week. Gardner-Johnson will, in turn, play slot corner, where he previously played for the New Orleans Saints from 2019 to 2021. During those three years, he recorded 161 total tackles, three sacks, and five interceptions.

He then played for the Eagles in 2022, where he had one of his best seasons, recording six interceptions and his highest total tackles at 67. He then joined the Lions in 2023 (where he crossed paths with Ben Johnson but was injured early in Week 2). He then returned to the Eagles in 2024, where he won the Super Bowl.

His career stats look like 319 total tackles, four sacks, 18 interceptions, and 77 career games. 

Gardner-Johnson will slide right into Dennis Allen’s defensive system, where they both met in New Orleans. 

Gardner-Johnson can also play at free safety alongside his slot cornerback, so when the injured secondary returns, they can slot him back and forth across the field. 

The Bears will play the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday, and when asked if Gardner-Johnson will play, he said, “I’ll see you Sunday.”