Teams may do things you don't expect when they face a crisis. The Chicago Bears were sent into the middle of one last week when two more of their starting cornerbacks landed on the injury report. Tyrique Stevenson missed the game in Baltimore with a shoulder problem. Kyler Gordon landed on Injured Reserve with groin and calf issues. Add Jaylon Johnson and Terell Smith, who are both on IR as well, and the Bears are down their top four cornerbacks. GM Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson knew they had to do something.
In situations like this, you might be willing to take calculated risks. That is exactly what the Bears did when they signed veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The 27-year-old has cultivated one of the most unique reputations in the NFL. On the one hand, he's a very good player, having recorded 16 interceptions since 2021. He has terrific versatility, able to play safety, cornerback, and even linebacker. Philadelphia's Super Bowl win last year wouldn't have happened without him.
Gardner-Johnson is also one of the biggest head cases in the league, known for his vicious trash talk and erratic behavior.
The Chicago Bears aren't going in blind on Gardner-Johnson.
Defensive coordinator Dennis Allen knows him well. He was in New Orleans when the Saints drafted the defensive back in the 4th round. Allen developed him into a starter. Their last season together saw Gardner-Johnson collect three interceptions and two sacks in 12 games. This defense will be familiar to him. The transition shouldn't take long. What isn't certain is whether Allen can control Gardner-Johnson's natural urges to instigate. This is the same guy who got both Javon Wims and Anthony Miller to punch him in the same season five years ago.
His last calendar year has been the most interesting. After winning the Super Bowl in Philadelphia, he was traded to Houston. He lasted three games there before getting cut. Baltimore signed him to their practice squad, but that didn't last long. Reports have stated that he was unhappy with his role and wanted to play more aggressively. That won't be a problem under Allen. The big question is whether the Bears locker room can handle his tendency to be critical of teammates.
