Introduction to the Bears’ New Signing
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who five years ago egged on fights with Bears players in two different games, is coming to Halas Hall. The Bears agreed to add the safety on Wednesday, two sources confirmed. Gardner-Johnson started 16 games for the Super Bowl champion Eagles a year ago, but bounced between the Texans and the Ravens this year, playing three games for Houston. He spent just a week on the Ravens’ practice squad earlier this month.
Experience and Background
Gardner-Johnson has experience in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s system, having played for the Saints from 2019-21. He played for coach Ben Johnson’s Lions in 2023, though he was limited to three games because of a pec injury. This background will likely contribute to his ability to adapt quickly to the Bears’ defensive strategy.
Role with the Bears
He figures to contribute on obvious passing downs with the Bears missing slot cornerback Kyler Gordon, whom they put on IR on Saturday with groin and calf injuries. Star Jaylon Johnson is on IR with a groin injury and fellow cornerback Tyrique Stevenson missed Sunday’s loss to the Ravens with a shoulder problem. The Bears’ safeties are healthy, which means Gardner-Johnson could play in the slot. With Allen as his defensive coordinator from 2019-21, Gardner-Johnson played 1,452 snaps in the slot, about 55% of his downs. He was in the slot about 10% of the time year.
Career Statistics
Gardner-Johnson has 18 interceptions in seven seasons. He’s spent two different stints with the Eagles, who in March traded him to the Texans in a deal that brought back guard Kenyon Green. He hurt his leg in the preseason but returned to play three games before he was surprisingly cut.
Notable Incidents
In Chicago, he’s best known for his antics in two 2020 games. In November, Bears receiver Javon Wims was ejected from a regular season overtime loss for punching Gardner-Johnson, a notorious pest who was once slugged by his own teammate, Michael Thomas, in New Orleans. The Bears were set to play the Saints in the first round of the playoffs, and Bears coaches held a meeting specifically to tell their players not to engage with the safety. Receiver Anthony Miller punched him anyway and was ejected from the playoff loss. Later, chairman George McCaskey said he had a bigger issue with Miller’s ejecting. “They sat him down and they told him, ‘Listen, watch out for this player. He’s a punk. He’s going to try to get under your skin … ’” McCaskey said then. “‘Anthony had the benefit of having seen Javon’s experience.” Miller never played another snap for the Bears.
Conclusion
The signing of C.J. Gardner-Johnson brings a player with a complex history with the Bears to their roster. His experience and skills, particularly in the slot, could be valuable assets to the team, especially considering their current injuries. However, his past behavior and the reactions it provoked from Bears players will undoubtedly be under scrutiny as he begins his tenure with the team.
FAQs
- Q: What is C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s experience with the Bears’ defensive coordinator?
A: Gardner-Johnson has experience in defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s system from his time with the Saints from 2019-21. - Q: Why might Gardner-Johnson play in the slot for the Bears?
A: The Bears are missing several cornerbacks due to injury, and Gardner-Johnson has significant experience playing in the slot, particularly during his time with the Saints under Dennis Allen. - Q: What is notable about Gardner-Johnson’s past interactions with the Bears?
A: Gardner-Johnson was involved in incidents in 2020 where he provoked reactions from Bears players Javon Wims and Anthony Miller, leading to both players being ejected from games. - Q: How many interceptions has Gardner-Johnson had in his career?
A: Gardner-Johnson has 18 interceptions in seven seasons.
