Chicago Bears insider pours cold water on secondary reunion

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears insider pours cold water on secondary reunion

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Dan Fappiano | Last updated Nov 6, 2026 3:23 PM ET

As the NFL trade deadline approaches, the Chicago Bears are searching for a cornerback. Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson have given up countless explosive plays through the first eight weeks of the season.

The Bears do have some potential in their secondary overall. Safety Dillon Thieneman has immediately become a staple at safety while fellow rookie Malik Muhammad has shown flashes of brilliance. Cam Lewis is capable of playing both corner and safety. When Coby Bryant returns from injury, he’ll be able to play a more versatile role. And of course there is cornerback Kyler Gordon, whose four sacks – in just three games, are tied for the team lead.

Still, despite all of that talent, the Bears know their secondary remains incomplete. The team has seen too many wide receivers get behind them. Because of that, if the right cornerback trade becomes available, Chicago won’t be afraid to pull the trigger.

One familiar cornerback recently became available, and he wouldn’t even cost any draft picks. However, a reunion with the Bears seems unlikely.

CJ Gardner-Johnson available for Chicago Bears

Nov 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (35) celebrates with defensive tackle Gervon Dexter Sr. (99) after a sack during the second half against the New York Giants at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

After serving a one-game suspension for spitting on Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, the Buffalo Bills released cornerback CJ Gardner-Johnson. He has experience playing under Dennis Allen’s scheme with the Bears. Still, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune doesn’t see a world where player and team reunite.

“We’re going to have to agree to disagree on Gardner-Johnson being great for the Bears last season,” Biggs wrote. “He made some plays for them, but his lack of speed was a problem, especially later in the season, and that’s one thing the team talked about consistently when the season ended — wanting to get faster on defense. I’d be a little surprised at this point if the Bears had interest in Gardner-Johnson. He’s basically a slot cornerback and can play a little safety. The Bears don’t have a need at slot corner, and I don’t see him making them better at safety.”

In his 10 games with the Bears, Gardner-Johnson put up 51 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. There were plenty of memorable moments during his run. But Chicago let him walk for a season.

The Bears took a new approach in their secondary, opting for speed. Gardner-Johnson’s style of play no longer fits the bill. Furthermore, once Bryant returns, Lewis would essentially play the role CJGJ would be. With Gordon in the slot, the alignment would be a bit redundant.

Chicago will look at all the secondary talent available. But they’ll be more intrigued by players who predominantly play outside. For now, a Gardner-Johnson reunion doesn’t appear to be in the cards.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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