While some were puzzled by the Chicago Bears' signing of defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, since he has been a safety for most of his career, the team's vision of him as a nickel makes sense, with a slight concern about him.
Gardner-Johnson has a reputation for being outspoken and being a hot head on the field. Last year with the Philadelphia Eagles, he was ejected from the game against the Washington Commanders after two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, which resulted in one of the team's three losses on the season. He also had a war of words with Eagles general manager Howie Roseman over being traded to the Houston Texans in the offseason, who also had issues with him, leading to the team mutually releasing him.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson responded to the concerns that he might not be the right fit for the locker room. Johnson reassured that the culture is strong enough in Chicago that it isn't even a concern.
"We have a very strong locker room. We have a positive veteran influence in there. We feel very strongly about that group. Nothing is more important than our locker room to be clear with you. So that is certainly first and foremost with any decision we make with who we bring in or who we let go. I think we are all aware of how important that is and the fit he has within that locker room."
Bears' locker room will be tested to see how the culture is built
Fans have already seen some of the great moments when the team wins and what the locker room is like. They are bought into what Johnson is doing, and it looks like a completely different team from last year.
While there is a bit of a reputation with Gardner-Johnson, his past teammates have given him a lot of love for how he helps players along the way. Sometimes, the emotional part of the game comes out of him, but that hasn't stopped him from being a good teammate.
There is enough veteran leadership in that locker room to handle any situation involving Gardner-Johnson. Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen know Gardner-Johnson well enough to manage him if issues arise.
Read more: Bears' first Week 9 injury report showcases ghost town with offensive stars out
This is one storyline that really isn't as important as the veteran defensive back learning to play nickel and getting ready to play. That's where the Bears need him to be before their Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.