Teams may do things you don’t expect when they face a crisis. The Chicago Bears were sent into the middle of one last week when two more of their starting cornerbacks landed on the injury report. Tyrique Stevenson missed the game in Baltimore with a shoulder problem. Kyler Gordon landed on Injured Reserve with groin and calf issues. Add Jaylon Johnson and Terell Smith, who are both on IR as well, and the Bears are down their top four cornerbacks. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson knew they had to do something.
In situations like this, you might be willing to take calculated risks. That is exactly what the Bears did when they signed veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The 27-year-old has cultivated one of the most unique reputations in the NFL. On the one hand, he’s a very good player, having recorded 16 interceptions since 2021. He has terrific versatility, able to play safety, cornerback, and even linebacker. Philadelphia’s Super Bowl win last year wouldn’t have happened without him.
Gardner-Johnson is also one of the biggest head cases in the league, known for his vicious trash talk and erratic behavior.
Bears are signing S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to their active roster after his visit yesterday, per his agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown of @unisportsmgmt.
Gardner-Johnson now reunites with Bears DC Dennis Allen, who coached him with the New Orleans Saints. pic.twitter.com/Z0W3dEDhJj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2025
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