Chauncey Gardner-Johnson signs to active roster with Chicago Bears

NFL journeyman defensive back and Super Bowl LIX winner Chauncey Gardner-Johnson has a new home. The former Florida star is signing with the Chicago Bears to the active roster, per the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

Gardner-Johnson last suited up for the Baltimore Ravens earlier this season, though he did not play in a game. He was signed to the practice squad on Oct. 7 and later cut on Oct. 14.

Chicago will be the sixth NFL franchise that Chauncey Gardner-Johnson has been a part of. He was originally selected by the New Orleans Saints as a fourth-round draft pick in 2019. He spent four years with the organization before joining the Philadelphia Eagles.

He spent one year in Philadelphia, then became a member of the Detroit Lions for a year. He then returned to Philadelphia in 2024, where he won a Super Bowl.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson then spent beginning of the 2025 season with the Houston Texans. The Texans released him on Sept. 23, before he inked to the Ravens practice squad a couple weeks later.

Gardner-Johnson has been a polarizing figure at times, a big-time talker who doesn’t mind speaking his piece. His departure from Houston was eyebrow-raising for a few reasons, but coach DeMeco Ryans informed reporters it was ultimately his decision to cut Gardner-Johnson.

“It was my decision to move on,” Ryans said at the time, via the Houston Chronicle. “I know what’s best for my team. … Coming from me, the head coach, it was the best for our team. That’s why I made the decision.”

For his part, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson reached out publicly via Twitter after he was cut in Baltimore. He was introspective.

“I just want to take a moment to thank all the teams I’ve been a part of coaches, teammates, and everyone who’s supported me along the way,” he wrote. “Every experience has helped me grow both on and off the field. I’m truly grateful for all the opportunities and memories. Football has always been a big part of who I am, and my passion for the game is still strong. I’m excited to keep working, improving, and continuing to play the sport I love.”

During his NFL career, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson has accounted for 319 tackles, 22.0 tackles for a loss, 4.0 sacks, 18 interceptions, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and 51 passes defended.