Bears sign C.J. Gardner-Johnson to depleted secondary
The Chicago Bears are adding some much-needed reinforcements to their defense.
The Bears announced the signing of defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to their active roster after visiting with the team on Tuesday.
The former 2019 fourth-round draft pick from Florida is in his seventh NFL season. Gardner-Johnson started the 2025 season on the Houston Texans after the Eagles traded him in March.
During his short time with the Texans, Gardner-Johnson played in three games against the Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars. The 6-foot, 208-pound DB ended with 15 total tackles (11 solo and 4 assists).
On Sept. 23, the Texans released Gardner-Johnson. The Baltimore Ravens signed him to their practice squad on Oct. 7 and released him a week later.
Gardner-Johnson started his career with the New Orleans Saints, and Bears defensive coordinator was his defensive play caller and head coach throughout his three seasons with the Saints.
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Allen utilized the versatile defensive back all over the field, but Gardner-Johnson primarily played as the nickel cornerback in the slot.
In Gardner-Johnson’s three seasons in New Orleans, he finished with five interceptions and 21 PBUs. During that span, Gardner-Johnson also committed 19 of his 24 career penalties.
In 2024, Gardner-Johnson played with the Philadelphia Eagles and was penalized twice for personal fouls in the team’s Week 16 loss to the Washington Commanders.
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The veteran defensive back has been flagged five times since 2022.
The day before the Bears played the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium, the team announced that Kyler Gordon was being placed on injured reserve, which will sideline him for at least four games.
Gardner-Johnson provides the Bears’ defense with a versatile defender who has familiarity with Allen’s scheme. The Bears will take any help they can get as they prepare to face a Cincinnati Bengals team that features Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
