LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Signed by the Bears on Wednesday, veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson feels ready to play Sunday.
Gardner-Johnson is confident that he can step into a role in the Bears’ injury-plagued secondary. And defensive coordinator Dennis Allen seems to believe so as well, praising a player he has coached previously.
“He’s a highly competitive player, and I think he goes out there and competes on every single play,” Allen said. “And that's fully what I would expect for him to do with us. So, I think he brings a little attitude to the football team, which I think is good.”
The 27-year-old Gardner-Johnson played 43 games for the Saints from 2019-'21, during which time Allen was New Orleans' defensive coordinator.
Gardner-Johnson is a seven-year NFL veteran who had six interceptions in both 2022 and 2024. Before joining the Bears, he was released twice this season – by the Texans in September and from the Ravens’ practice squad earlier in October.
During the course of his career, Gardner-Johnson has been agitating presence for opponents. He was struck by Bears players in two different games in 2020 among his handful of on-field altercations through the years.
Allen was confident enough in Gardner-Johnson's makeup to vouch for the Bears to sign him.
“We all mature with age,” Allen said. “Like, I think all of us, we make some mistakes as we're younger and we kind of learn from them and we kind of move on. I've seen a player that's matured a little bit, and yet he still has that fiery attitude, which I think that's what makes him who he is.”
Gardner-Johnson is in line to play the nickelback position for the Bears as starter Kyler Gordon is sidelined by a groin/calf injury. Gordon was placed on injured reserve Saturday. The Bears are hopeful his stint there will be the minimum four-game absence.
The Bears turned to Nick McCloud and Josh Blackwell previously in Gordon’s place at the nickelback spot. With Gardner-Johnson available, they made an addition with the hope to strengthen their defensive identity.
The fit in Chicago was what appealed to Gardner-Johnson.
"Find a spot that's good for me,” Gardner-Johnson said. “I'm good for them, locker room fit and a great fit between me, the coaches and the front office. That's really what it's all about. Nothing personal. Making sure I make the right decision and come in and help the organization."
“This team was already good before me. They won four straight games. A loss doesn't deteriorate a team from who they are. They are good. Just coming in to add extra fire, extra skill to the back end. I'm happy to be here.”
The Bears (4-3) will visit the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) on Sunday at Paycor Stadium.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.