The Chicago Bears are losing yet another key defensive back from their 2025 season to the AFC East. CJ Gardner-Johnson is the latest former Bear to join that division, as he’s set to sign a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills worth up to $6 million. The news was first reported by NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
Advertisement
Gardner-Johnson joined the Bears midway through last season as an injury replacement for Kyler Gordon. Despite getting cut from two different organizations earlier in the season, Gardner-Johnson found a home in Chicago and made quite the impact early on. He racked up three sacks in his first couple of games and totaled two interceptions as well as a forced fumble.
When Gordon returned late in the year, Gardner-Johnson still saw extended playing time on defense. He worked as both a nickel corner and a safety in specific packages and played a key role in helping the Bears get to an 11-6 record.
Gardner-Johnson joins other departed Bears defensive backs in the AFC East, such as Nahshon Wright, who joined the New York Jets, and Kevin Byard, who joined the New England Patriots.
Advertisement
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bills sign former Bears DB CJ Gardner-Johnson
