It’s Gardner-Johnson’s fourth team in 2025
We have signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the active roster.
Welcome to Chicago, @CGJXXIII!
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 29, 2025
The Chicago Bears announced the signing of former Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to their active roster on Wednesday.
The Bears are the fourth team Gardner-Johnson has been on in 2025 after winning the Super Bowl in February with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles traded him to the Houston Texans, who cut him in September, after which he was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad for a short stint.
Gardner-Johnson, 27, is coming off of a six-interception season with the Eagles in 2024. He’ll be reuniting with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen who he played for in New Orleans for three seasons.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who was offensive coordinator with the Lions during Gardner-Johnson’s one season in Detroit, told the media that Gardner-Johnson will play in the slot corner position in Chicago. Johnson missed most of his one season in Detroit with a torn pectoral muscle.
The Bears have been missing injured cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and, more recently Kyler Gordon this season. Gardner-Johnson reportedly took every snap in practice on Wednesday for the Bears and should be able to quickly acclimate to the system.
“I’ll see you Sunday,” he told the media when asked if he would be prepared to play on short notice.
The Bears travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals this Sunday. They’ll get a second crack at the Lions in the season finale on Jan. 4.