Chicago Bears: key defender from last year suddenly available

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears: key defender from last year suddenly available

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Jordan Sigler | Last updated Nov 3, 2026 8:20 PM ET

The Chicago Bears have been sniffing around a reunion with defensive end Khalil Mack and are listed as a potential trade suitor for New York Jets cornerback Nahshon Wright, but there’s a third option for the defense who became available on Tuesday.

It’s unclear if the Los Angeles Chargers will change their mind on trading Mack. Amid an 0–7 start, the Chargers must decide between getting something for Mack, whom they signed to a one-year deal in the spring, or keeping the veteran edge rusher to help teach their younger players on defense.

Wright led the Bears in takeaways last season with 10.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson joined the Bears on Oct. 29 last season. He made an immediate impact, forcing three turnovers and three sacks for Chicago in 10 games.

The Buffalo Bills released the veteran safety on Tuesday following his one-game suspension for spitting on Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers.

Gardner-Johnson could be an interesting pickup for Chicago as the team looks to make a Super Bowl run after the blockbuster trade for Jeffery Simmons last week.

Chicago Bears: C.J. Gardner-Johnson would bring some fire

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

Last year, Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen said Gardner-Johnson brought attitude to the defense.

“He’s a highly competitive player, and I think he goes out there and competes on every single play,” Allen said. “And that’s fully what I would expect for him to do with us. So, I think he brings a little attitude to the football team, which I think is good.”

Allen also said that Gardner-Johnson mattered with age. Given the developments in Buffalo this season, there is more growth to be seen.

Gardner-Johnson has had seven different stints with teams since 2021. He had two stints with the Philadelphia Eagles. Maybe the Bears will try to sign him to give Allen more options on a defense that has rapidly improved with Simmons.

The secondary still needs some help.

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

More must-reads: