It isn’t uncommon for coaches to bring in players they’re familiar with from other teams when they take new jobs. Ben Johnson traded for Jonah Jackson when he took over as head coach. It appears Dennis Allen is now working some of his connections to get his ailing defense some help. The Chicago Bears were down all four of their top cornerbacks last Sunday in Baltimore. It showed with Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley had a strong afternoon. Forced to look at some alternatives, the Bears brought in veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson. He has one of the more complicated reputations in the NFL. While he’s produced two different seasons with six interceptions, he also doesn’t stick around for long due to personality issues.
Allen coached him for three years in New Orleans. That familiarity no doubt encouraged the Bears to take the risk. Apparently, that might not be the end of it. Whispers are that the Bears might be working the phone lines to bring over veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore as well. He was a three-time Pro Bowler under Allen in New Orleans. He was traded to Washington last year and helped them to the NFC Championship. While he hasn’t displayed his elite form in the past few years, he’d still be an upgrade over the cast of reserves Chicago has.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson certainly sounds like he’s playing vs. Cincinnati despite joining the Bears hours ago: “I’ll see you Sunday.” pic.twitter.com/doKE4BQRNX
— Courtney Cronin (@CourtneyRCronin) October 29, 2025
"We have an opportunity and he was available. He's a good football player… it's a good fit."
Ben Johnson on the Bears signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson: pic.twitter.com/aPFoozfvF6
— Bears on CHSN (@CHSN_Bears) October 29, 2025
Dennis Allen knows what Lattimore can do.
The 29-year-old can still play. Chicago doesn’t need him to save the season. They just need him to help stop the bleeding. If they can get the secondary back to a modicum of stability, Dennis Allen should be able to prevent opposing offenses from scoring at will. The question is, will Washington part with Lattimore? Their pass defense is already a problem, even with him in the lineup. Still, they’re 3-5 with the Seattle Seahawks on deck. A loss to them might convince the Commanders’ brass that a roster shuffle is in order. After all, they have the oldest defense in the NFL. They will need picks to change that next offseason.
These types of moves can be touch-and-go. Everything depends on whether the other team is willing to sell. Right now, it hasn’t reached that point. Expectations are that Chicago will get their answer after this Sunday.
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