Overview
- Agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown told ESPN that Gardner-Johnson signed to the Bears’ active roster after a Tuesday visit.
- The move reunites him with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, and head coach Ben Johnson said Chicago plans to use him in the slot with Kyler Gordon on injured reserve.
- It is his third team of 2025 after a March trade to Houston, a Sept. 23 release following reported role friction, and a brief Ravens practice-squad stint that ended Oct. 14 after Baltimore acquired Alohi Gilman.
- He started 16 games for the Eagles in 2024, posting 59 tackles, 12 passes defended and six interceptions, and contributed to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LIX title run.
- Chicago’s secondary is depleted, with Pro Bowl corner Jaylon Johnson recovering from core muscle surgery, Gordon on IR and Tyrique Stevenson recently sidelined, while Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker remain the starting safeties.