Chicago Bears have clear plan for controversial DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 7:19 PM ET

The Chicago Bears added a veteran with Super Bowl champion credentials to a roster that desperately needed secondary help. With the top four cornerbacks out in Week 8, the Bears signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Wednesday.

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Gardner-Johnson is listed as a safety, but he’ll likely be asked to play nickel cornerback for Chicago after Kyler Gordon was placed on injured reserve for a groin and calf injury.

The Chicago Bears will have a support system for C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (8) celebrates after a defensive stop against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

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Shortly after the Bears made the signing of Gardner-Johnson official, Bears head coach Ben Johnson was asked about how the Bears can work with him, given his history of being a controversial player.

Johnson revealed interesting insight into the Bears’ plan for Gardner-Johnson, stating that they will have a support system for him.

“I know is he’s a competitive player. You know, felt that during training camp that year that I was with him, early in the season and then he came back late in the season, it’s the same thing,” Johnson said.

“He loves being on the grass and playing football. So, we’ll make sure that we have a good support system for him. You know, he’s got a family. He’s got kids that are important to him. So, we just want to make sure that we support him the best we can.”

Dennis Allen could help C.J. Gardner-Johnson lock in

Chicago Bears linked to versatile linebacker to jolt Dennis Allen's defense 1 Former New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen on the sidelines – Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Among the connections that the defensive back has in Chicago is his former defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen. The two spent three years together in New Orleans, with Allen being there when he was drafted.

Johnson believes that Allen can help Gardner-Johnson here in Chicago.

“Dennis Allen knew him when he was a young player. He hasn’t been with him for a number of years,” Johnson said. “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.”

It’s a low-risk but high-reward signing for the Bears. They can quickly move on if Gardner-Johnson becomes a liability.

But he has the potential to be a key player to help the defense until the secondary room gets healthy.