It didn't come as a surprise that the Chicago Bears opted to part ways with Olamide Zaccheaus after the pass catcher had an up-and-down 2025 season. Zaccheaus signed with the Atlanta Falcons, joining the team where his career first started.
It is very possible that this isn't the last Bears free agent to join the franchise, with one name standing out as a very clear possibility. C.J. Gardner-Johnson has bounced around the league, seeming to be a great short-term fit with each team he joins. Unfortunately, the breakup has followed the same path everywhere Gardner-Johnson lands, with things starting well before the relationship turns sour.
Perhaps a part of this is the loud energy that exudes from the defensive back who appeared to be a clear asset to the Bears at the end of the 2025 season. It is the exact type of energy the Atlanta Falcons' defense is likely to be searching for alongside star safety Jessie Bates. As the franchise deals with losing several contributors in free agency, it makes sense to continue stealing from Chicago and bring in the safety to go along with Zaccheaus.
Another piece of this that makes a great deal of sense is that Gardner-Johnson started his career as a hated rival with the New Orleans Saints. While a closer geographical rival in the division already exists, the Carolina Panthers, the Saints are by far Atlanta's most hated foe. The fact that this is the same team that already stole a key free agent signing, linebacker Kaden Elliss, away from Atlanta in the 2026 offseason. Bringing in another former Bear while adding a former rival as a slight form of revenge makes a great deal of sense for the franchise.
Bears FA C.J. Gardner-Johnson Could Follow Zaccheaus to Atlanta
While you could point to Kevin Byard here, it makes more sense for the Falcons to go with the cheaper option, as they are already paying Jessie Bates top-dollar at the position. For Chicago, the franchise must be aggressive with the safety position, as it is a clear concern that has yet to find an obvious answer.
Bringing back Byard should still be a focus, while losing Gardner-Johnson wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. As respected as the defender might be, there are more pressing positional concerns that need more reliable answers. Moving on from Gardner-Johnson always made sense at the end of the season and continues to be an obvious path, giving the defender a chance to follow Zaccheaus to the Falcons.
For Atlanta, it makes sense to steal from a team that went from worst-to-first in the NFC North. The Falcons understandably hope that stealing pieces from this story will enable them to turn around a franchise that hasn't made the playoffs since the 2017 season. No question, Gardner-Johnson following Zaccheaus makes sense and is a potential fit that fans should keep a close eye on as we go deeper into free agency.