The Chicago Bears remained active on Wednesday, following up Sam Webb‘s workout and their signing of Salvon Ahmed, by adding Anthony Johnson Jr.
Johnson is joining a re-tooled secondary for the Bears, who lost three safeties this offseason, including fill-in nickelback C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
The turnover on the roster has created an opportunity for Johnson.
Former Packers S Anthony Johnson Jr. Joins Bears
Bears Sign Anthony Johnson Jr.
“Sources: The #Bears are signing former Packers and Giants safety Anthony Johnson Jr.,” Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported on X on May 20. “A former 7th-round pick, Johnson has 29 career tackles and an INT, but missed last season due to an injury. He’s now healthy and ready to go.”
The Packers selected Johnson with the 242nd overall pick of the 2023 draft. He lasted one season in Green Bay, spending the 2024 season with the New York Giants. Johnson, 26, has played in 21 career games with four starts.
He has logged 29 total tackles and 1 interception in his career.
The Bears signed Coby Bryant in free agency and drafted Dillon Thieneman in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft to replace departed starters Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker.
Johnson joins fellow free agent signing Cam Lewis and incumbent Elijah Hicks in competing for a backup role during the Bears’ offseason program. All five players could make the Bears’ 53-man roster, given their experience in comparison to some of the other options.
The Bears can carry 90 players up until the end of the preseason.
Johnson will work to make his case in the meantime, while the Bears, at the very least, get more competition for their safety group.
