After the laundry list of injuries the Chicago Bears have faced in the secondary this season, the team did something about it with the signing of C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Still, he won't be playing his usual position.
Typically, a safety, Gardner-Johnson will be playing as a slot corner, according to Bears head coach Ben Johnson. There is some familiarity there between Gardner-Johnson and his head coach and defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen. Gardner-Johnson and Ben Johnson were together in Detroit in 2023, while Allen coached the veteran defensive back in New Orleans with the Saints.
While speaking with the media, Johnson discussed the connections that led him to sign Gardner-Johnson.
"There are a number of us who have been with him in the past. It's a good fit. He's a competitive player. He loves being on the grass and playing football."
Can Gardner-Johnson save the Bears from disaster in the secondary?
One thing people know about Gardner-Johnson in pass coverage, he's a ball hawk. Twice in his career, he has had six interceptions in a season, totaling 18 in his seven-year career, while adding 51 pass deflections. Despite leading the NFL in interceptions with six while playing for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, he has never made the Pro Bowl.
Gardner-Johnson has now played for six teams in his NFL career, but the Baltimore Ravens is the only team he has not appeared in a game with. He won a Super Bowl with the Eagles last year.
This is a Bears secondary that has Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon on IR, and Tyrique Stevenson's status for Week 9 is unknown. Gardner-Johnson comes in with plenty of experience and a knack for finding the ball and laying big hits on the field.
It's a perfect marriage, and Gardner-Johnson knows what Allen expects in his defense. Now it's all about the defensive back learning how to play in the slot as quickly as possible.
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Bears fans are anxious to see what they will get from the veteran and whether he will be able to help the secondary in a time of need.