To help with the injuries at the cornerback spot, the Chicago Bears decided to bring in a former Super Bowl champion on Wednesday, signing veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the active roster.
It’s been a whirlwind 2025 season for Gardner-Johnson, who was with the Houston Texans at the start of the campaign but was released on Sept. 23 after only playing in three games. From there, he was signed to the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad earlier this month. However, the veteran defender only spent a week with the Ravens before the two sides went their separate ways.
Nonetheless, Gardner-Johnson seems to be excited about this newfound opportunity with the Bears and has already told reporters when he plans to play.
“I’ll see you Sunday,” Gardner-Johnson said when asked about how quickly he can get going in Dennis Allen’s defensive scheme (h/t Adam Hoge of ALLCity/CHGO Bears).
CJ Gardner-Johnson Needs to Make the Most of Opportunity in Chicago
Bears fans should be excited to see that the veteran defensive back is ready to play on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Even though he hasn’t played in a regular-season game since Week 3, the Bears could use him with Tyrique Stevenson banged up with a shoulder injury and Kyler Gordon still on injured reserve.
Given Gardner-Johnson’s familiarity with Allen’s scheme dating back to their time together in New Orleans, it's likely that the Bears put him in at the slot cornerback spot. Bears head coach Ben Johnson confirmed to reporters on Wednesday, per Hoge.
This season, the Bears have had to lean on Nick McCloud in the slot for an injured Gordon. The 27-year-old McCloud has left much to be desired in his first year in the Windy City, giving up 14 completions on 15 targets for 191 yards (12.2 receiving yards per reception) and a 136.4 pass rating.
Meanwhile, Gardner-Johnson, who predominantly played safety with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, saw some snaps in the slot, which had mixed results. He allowed five touchdowns and 1.40 yards per coverage. Overall, in pass coverage, Gardner-Johnson gave up eight TDs and had a 89.0 passer rating.
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how things play out for Gardner-Johnson on the field and in the locker room. The last time Gardner-Johnson was with Allen, things didn’t end on the best of terms, which led to him being traded to the Eagles ahead of the 2022 season.
However, with him already being on two teams this season, Gardner-Johnson’s chance may be starting to run out, and that could motivate him to give the Bears his best.