C.J. Gardner-Johnson was a heck of a find off the scrap heap. Gardner-Johnson began the 2025 calendar year as part of the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. But after bouncing around to the Houston Texans and Baltimore Ravens, Gardner-Johnson found a home in Chicago. After excelling in the Windy City, should the Bears consider bringing him back?
C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s 2025 Snapshot
The Bears scooped C.J. Gardner-Johnson up in late October, approximately two weeks after the Baltimore Ravens released him from their practice squad. Baltimore’s parting of ways with CJGJ came a week after he signed with the team and a little less than a month after the Texans cut ties with him in September. But once he settled into life with Chicago’s football team, the fit seemed natural.
Gardner-Johnson played in 10 games (made seven starts) with the Bears. He finished the year with two interceptions, three sacks, four passes defended, 51 total tackles (35 solo), five tackles-for-loss, and five quarterback hits. It felt like he was stuffing the stat sheet every week. And yet, his Pro Football Focus grades were underwhelming.
WHY IT DIDN’T TAKE LONG FOR CJGJ TO BECOME A BEARS FAN FAVORITE
PFF had him down for a 51.6 overall grade (86th of 98 safeties), 45.6 coverage grade (87th), and 61.2 pass rush grade (59th). His best work, per PFF’s metrics, came as a run-defender (65.5 grade put him 69th among 98 safeties), where he graded around league average. But with that being said, I don’t think advanced analytics fully captured the C.J. Gardner-Johnson experience.
While his grades weren’t great, C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s value showed up in his versatility. Last season, PFF had Gardner-Johnson down for playing 390 snaps as a slot cornerback, 269 snaps in the box, 86 snaps as a free safety, and 14 snaps as a boundary corner. Given the injury issues Chicago had in the secondary and at linebacker, that Chicago was able to deploy CJGJ in a variety of different roles helped build a bridge to when injured players could return to the lineup. That stuff doesn’t show up in box scores, but it doesn’t mean it isn’t valuable to a team.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson sacks Russell Wilson at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesBy the Numbers
Games played: 10 (7 starts) Interceptions: 2 Passes defended: 4 Sacks: 3 Forced fumbles: 1 Total tackles 51 (35 solo) Tackles-for-loss: 5 Quarterback hits: 5 PFF overall grade: 51.6C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Contract Status
(Contract details and figures are courtesy of Over The Cap)
OTC’s contract data has the Bears down for paying Gardner-Johnson $650,000 for his time with the team last season. When you consider what he provided in terms of availability and positional flexibility, it is hard to think about that deal as anything less than a steal. CJGJ is set to become a free agent. But after what he put on tape in Chicago, he is a player who should generate some interest on the open market.
Turning The Page
In addition to his on-the-field contributions, I thought the C.J. Gardner-Johnson addition was straight-up fun. Every good team that is early in its competitive era needs a player like Gardner-Johnson — someone who can bring a vibe of controlled chaos to the function. CJGJ definitely brought that type of energy to Halas Hall and the playing field. But what about a second season in Chicago?
This recent tweet certainly grabbed my attention:
?(Al Harris University) pic.twitter.com/oZJuMprNRo
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) February 25, 2026Is a sophomore season at Al Harris University loading for the 28-year-old defensive back?
Reuniting with Defensive Coordinator Dennis Allen (who had Gardner-Johnson while with the New Orleans Saints) and working with renowned Defensive Backs Coach Al Harris helped get some quality play from the well-traveled defender. And while I struggle to see CJGJ as a top priority for Chicago’s front office, I can envision a scenario in which he is a fallback option if his market doesn’t develop. PFF projects C.J. Gardner-Johnson to land a one-year deal worth $2.5 million. If that is all it takes to bring him back, then perhaps there is a fit on the 2026 Bears.
OTHER 2025 CHICAGO BEARS SNAPSHOTS
Quarterback Caleb Williams Tight End Colston Loveland Safety Kevin Byard III Defensive end Austin Booker Wide receiver Luther Burden III Running back D’Andre Swift Running back Kyle Monangai Left guard Joe Thuney Linebacker Tremaine Edmunds Linebacker D’Marco Jackson Kicker Cairo Santos Receiver DJ Moore Tight end Cole Kmet Punter Tory Taylor Cornerback Kyler Gordon Cornerback Jaylon Johnson Cornerback Tyrique Stevenson Wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus Safety Jaquan Brisker Offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn ImagesPLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Apple | Spotify | YouTube
Hence then, the article about is c j gardner johnson preparing for another semester at al harris university was published today ( ) and is available on Bleacher Nation ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Is C.J. Gardner-Johnson Preparing For Another Semester at Al Harris University? )
Also on site :