The Chicago Bears lost another key defensive back for the 2025 season in a loss to the AFC East. CJ Gardner-Johnson is the latest former Bears player to join the staff, signing a one-year contract worth up to $6 million with the Buffalo Bills. The news was first reported by NFL insider Tom Pelissero.
Gardner-Johnson joined the Bears midway through last season to replace the injured Kyler Gordon. Despite being cut by two different teams early in the season, Gardner-Johnson found a home in Chicago and made quite an impact early on. He had three sacks in his first few games and had two interceptions and a forced fumble.
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When Gordon returned at the end of the year, Gardner-Johnson still saw more playing time on defense. He played nickel and safety in specific combinations and played a key role in helping the Bears to an 11-6 record.
Gardner-Johnson joins the ranks of other Bears defensive backs who have departed in the AFC East, such as Nashon Wright, who joined the New York Jets, and Kevin Baird, who joined the New England Patriots.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bills sign former Bears DB CJ Gardner-Johnson
