C.J. Gardner‑Johnson signed with the Chicago Bears to stabilize the secondary. He enters as the veteran slot corner behind starters Kevin Byard and Jaquon Brisker. That role reflects the trust his former coaches, Dennis Allen and Ben Johnson, placed in him.

“All the ball together in New Orleans, and the model was the same, cared for me as a player, as a person. And at times, when I was younger, the message was always the same. So, I think coming in here, he understands what I can do. And coming into a locker room as a veteran presence. I can adapt easily and understand when I need help; I can just go ask. I think that’s the biggest thing he taught me first three years is if you need help. Ask a question. Ask the guys around you, go to your teammates,” C.J. Gardner said.

Gardner-Johnson played under Allen during 2019-21 with the New Orleans Saints and worked with Ben Johnson when he served as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions in 2023. He received 21 penalties in New Orleans, including two calls for unsportsmanlike behavior, an ejection, four for needless roughness, roughing the kicker, and lowering the head to make contact.  

He credits his development in those years to coaches who treated him as both a player and a person, teaching him the fundamentals of asking for help and integrating with veteran teammates.

On the field, Gardner-Johnson brings production. His career stats include 319 tackles and 18 interceptions over 77 games. His locker-room reputation emphasizes the ability to lean on teammates and learn from what the coaches have built.

Gardner-Johnson has been given a definite role by Allen and Coach Johnson as the Bears prepare to play the Cincinnati Bengals. He is a crucial component in strengthening Chicago’s secondary because of his positional versatility, veteran background, and acquired culture from his time with the Saints and Lions.

Bears add CJGJ to plug secondary gaps

The Chicago Bears signed veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner‑Johnson to bolster their troubled secondary. His move comes amid injuries to key corners and a demand for experienced depth.

“D.A. knew him when he was a young player. He hasn’t been with him for some years. And then I had a short little crossover period with him. We did due diligence. We talked to people he’s been around recently. It was one of those moves that we felt comfortable with where we’re at as a team right now, where CJ’s at in his career, that it’s a good fit,” Bears coach Ben Johnson explained.

Gardner-Johnson logged 1,452 snaps in the slot for the Saints compared to just 80 at free safety. Since 2022, that balance has flipped — 1,484 snaps at free safety and 384 in the slot — showing his versatility. But also, the Bears’ clear intention in how they plan to use him.

With Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon both sidelined, Chicago’s secondary has struggled, leaving holes at nickel and slot coverage. Gardner-Johnson’s familiarity with the Bears’ system and his proven ability inside make him an immediate plug-in option for a unit desperate for stability.

He’ll take over the slot corner role, a key fix according to coach Ben Johnson, who cited his previous work with Dennis Allen as part of the appeal. By moving Gardner-Johnson inside, Chicago can keep its top corners on the perimeter while shoring up the middle of the field. Sitting at 4-3 and third in the NFC North, the Bears will look to capitalize on his experience as they face a 3-5 Bengals team still searching for rhythm.