Report: Bears signing veteran S C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Field Level Media|published: Wed 29th October, 10:42 2025

Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (8) reacts against the Green Bay Packers during the first half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears are signing well-traveled safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson following his visit on Tuesday, ESPN reported Wednesday.

The Baltimore Ravens released the 27-year-old veteran on Oct. 14 after just one week on their practice squad. He was released by the Houston Texans on Sept. 23 when his situation there soured after making three starts to begin this season.

Gardner-Johnson won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last year and was traded to the Texans in March.

His agents, Kevin Conner and Robert Brown of Universal Sports Management, confirmed his signing with Chicago to ESPN.

With the Bears (4-3), Gardner-Johnson reunites with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who was his defensive coordinator for three seasons in New Orleans.

Gardner-Johnson had 15 tackles this season with the Texans. He has 18 interceptions, 319 tackles, four sacks and 51 passes defended in 77 career games (64 starts) with the Saints (2019-21), Eagles (2022, 2024), Detroit Lions (2023) and Texans.

When he was released by the Texans, KPRC reported that there was "friction" in the locker room that involved his criticism of teammates, complaints about his role and a trade request.

--Field Level Media

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