Bears Sign Safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to Boost Injured Secondary

Chicago, IL — The Chicago Bears have signed safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to their active roster, a move aimed at bolstering an injury-depleted secondary.

Gardner-Johnson’s signing follows a visit with the team on Tuesday. He reunites with Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who previously coached him with the New Orleans Saints from 2019 to 2021.

With cornerback Kyler Gordon on injured reserve and expected to miss at least four games, Gardner-Johnson’s experience as a nickel back will be crucial for Allen’s defensive strategy.

Drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints, Gardner-Johnson spent three seasons with them before being traded to the Detroit Lions in 2022. During his time with the Lions, he had a standout year with six interceptions, 67 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and eight pass breakups.

Additionally, Gardner-Johnson has a connection with Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who was the offensive coordinator in Detroit during Gardner-Johnson’s tenure there. His career also includes a stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl in 2024.

The Bears have faced significant injuries in their secondary, losing both top cornerbacks, Jaylon Johnson and Kyler Gordon, to injuries, with Tyrique Stevenson also nursing a shoulder injury. While Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker have performed well as a safety duo, Gardner-Johnson is expected to fill the critical slot position now vacant due to Gordon’s absence.

The move has sparked various reactions from fans and analysts alike, with many appreciating the need for additional depth in the secondary, particularly with Gardner-Johnson’s prior link to Coach Allen.