Bears Sign CJ Gardner-Johnson to Fortify Secondary Amid Injuries

The Chicago Bears have signed veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to strengthen their injury-hit secondary, with head coach Ben Johnson emphasizing Gardner-Johnson's familiarity with the defensive system and his positional versatility. Despite Gardner-Johnson's reputation as a fiery competitor and past on-field incidents, Bears leadership, including Johnson and safety Kevin Byard, express confidence in the strong locker room culture to integrate him successfully. Gardner-Johnson, who has played under coaches Dennis Allen and Ben Johnson before, is expected to take on a critical role as a nickel or slot cornerback, bringing both experience and production to the defense. The Bears view Gardner-Johnson as a potential spark for their defense, with veteran leadership ready to manage any challenges his competitive nature might bring. Gardner-Johnson himself acknowledges the importance of teamwork and support within the locker room, highlighting his adaptability and willingness to seek help when needed. The Bears hope his addition will help maintain momentum in a season where they have recovered from an 0-2 start and are looking to capitalize on an easier remaining schedule.