C.J. Gardner-Johnson Joins the Chicago Bears to Strengthen Their Secondary

C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a veteran safety known for his versatility, has signed with the Chicago Bears, marking his third team of the 2025 NFL season. Gardner-Johnson joins a depleted Bears secondary and will be reunited with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who previously coached him during his early years with the New Orleans Saints. Gardner-Johnson, also known as Ceedy Duce or 2X, was originally drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Over his career, he has played 77 games, recording 246 interception return yards and a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season, Gardner-Johnson started 16 games for the Eagles, helping them secure a win in Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs. He posted 59 combined tackles, six interceptions (tying his career high), 12 passes defended, and a forced fumble. In 2025, Gardner-Johnson began the season with the Houston Texans, appearing in three games and tallying 15 tackles and a quarterback hit before being released. He then joined the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad but was let go after the team acquired safety Alohi Gilman. Gardner-Johnson did not play a game for Baltimore. His arrival in Chicago comes at a critical time as the Bears seek stability in their defensive backfield. Gardner-Johnson, born December 20, 1997, in Cocoa, Florida, stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 208 pounds. His NFL journey has included stints with the Saints, Eagles, Texans, Ravens, and now the Bears, reflecting both his adaptability and the demand for his skill set in the league. The Bears hope that his experience and familiarity with Dennis Allen’s defensive schemes will provide immediate impact as they push through the remainder of the season. For more on Gardner-Johnson’s career and statistics, visit his ESPN player profile or see his full game log and advanced stats at Pro Football Reference.