Chicago Bears Sign Super Bowl Champion Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson Amid Secondary Injuries

The Chicago Bears have signed veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to their active roster to bolster a secondary depleted by injuries to key players including Kyler Gordon and Jaylon Johnson. Gardner-Johnson reunites with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who coached him during his time with the New Orleans Saints, facilitating a potentially swift integration into the defense. Gardner-Johnson has had a turbulent 2025 season, moving from the Houston Texans, where he was released after three games due to dissatisfaction with his role, to a brief stint on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad before landing in Chicago. Known for his versatility, he can play in the slot, deep safety, and the box, and is expected to provide immediate physicality and playmaking. Despite his talent and a recent Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles, Gardner-Johnson has been characterized as a volatile player due to frequent issues with teams over his role. The Bears hope his experience and skill set will help stabilize their secondary during their playoff push.