C.J. Gardner-Johnson has found a new home, inking a deal with the Bears after time spent with the Texans and Ravens this season
After weeks of waiting, C.J. Gardner-Johnson has found a new home, signing a deal with the Chicago Bears. Gardner-Johnson lands in the NFC North after he was released from the Ravens’ practice squad, in a mutual decision. The Ravens had been decimated in the secondary, but after acquiring Alohi Gilman from the Chargers, they parted ways with C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Baltimore signed the veteran defensive back to the practice squad, but Gardner-Johnson wasn’t elevated for the Week 6 loss to the Rams.
During the spring, the Eagles traded Gardner-Johnson to the Texans along with a 2026 sixth-round pick for offensive guard Kenyon Green and Houston’s 2026 sixth-round pick. After one year in Detroit, Gardner-Johnson returned to the Philadelphia Eagles and won a Super Bowl while spearheading a swagger and physical defensive unit that was the NFL’s best. Gardner-Johnson says what’s on his mind, and that outspoken nature played a role in his trade to Houston.
Gardner-Johnson joined the Eagles via trade in 2022 and logged six interceptions in just 12 games en route to a Super Bowl appearance. Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions last season while helping the Eagles win the Lombardi Trophy.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, Gardner-Johnson was initially released by Houston after clashing about his role and ability to blitz and be more active near the line of scrimmage.
Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions in 2024 with Philadelphia, but had none through three games this season.
During an appearance on “The Pivot” podcast, Gardner-Johnson told Ryan Clark the Eagles didn’t move him for financial reasons — they moved him out of fear.
“Scared of a competitor,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Simple as that. … You can’t program a dawg.”
Gardner-Johnson has recently tweeted about taking care of his mental health before parting ways with the Ravens, and was looking to catch on with a franchise seeking his confidence and brash style of play.
