The Chicago Bears have a dilemma in the slot and could use an upgrade. Kyler Gordon is on injured reserve after suffering a groin and calf injury leading up to Week 8, sidelining him for at least the next three games, and he has already missed five so far. Meanwhile, Nick McCloud, his primary replacement, has struggled in coverage, allowing a 93.3% completion rate, one passing touchdown, and a whopping 136.4 passer rating.
Also Read: Chicago Bears Suddenly Place $40 Million Defensive Standout on IR
Chicago Bears land embattled Super Bowl champion
According to Adam Schefter, the Bears have signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the active roster following a visit on Monday, reuniting him with Dennis Allen in Chicago. He spent his first three years with the New Orleans Saints, during which Allen served as the defensive coordinator, a role he now holds. Gardner-Johnson is a versatile defensive back capable of playing in the box, at deep safety, and in the slot, where he has logged the most snaps with 1,836, per PFF.
Bears are signing S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to their active roster after his visit yesterday, per his agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown of @unisportsmgmt.
Gardner-Johnson now reunites with Bears DC Dennis Allen, who coached him with the New Orleans Saints. pic.twitter.com/Z0W3dEDhJj
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2025
He has bounced around with three teams in 2025
The Philadelphia Eagles traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans in March, citing his contract, though he alleges it was due to his outspokenness. His stint with the Texans lasted only three games, as he was cut amid reports of his dissatisfaction with his role, a trade request, and criticism of teammates. Gardner-Johnson joined the Baltimore Ravens practice squad ahead of Week 5, but was released before Week 6 because of the Alohi Gilman trade, and did not see a clear path to playing.
Fans react to the news
as a bears fan this all i can think about 💀 pic.twitter.com/1q4rtJkC87
— Tiger Backwoods 🔥🍃💨🐐 (@rjthejuiceman17) October 29, 2025
BIG WIN for the Bears! Signing Chauncey is a genius move—reuniting him with DC Dennis Allen brings experience, versatility, and those clutch INTs to a secondary that needs it!
— OtterFlyer (@otter805) October 29, 2025
D1 INSTIGATOR IS NOW A BEAR…THE PENALTIES 📈
— SoBackSports (@SoBackSports) October 29, 2025
Big W
— dylan (@dylanismeme) October 29, 2025
Not a bad pickup tbh
— Don Juan (@thedonjuanx) October 29, 2025
Great move by the Bears! 💪 Gardner-Johnson’s energy and versatility will boost that defense big time.
— DILEEP KUMAR 📊 (@aapkadilipgupta) October 29, 2025
