The NFL’s 2026 salary cap is set for a significant jump - somewhere between $22 million and $26.5 million - and that’s more than just good news for front offices. It’s a game-changer for how teams approach free agency, and in Chicago, it could be the difference between keeping a key defensive playmaker or watching him walk.
For the Bears, that playmaker is C.J. Gardner-Johnson - a veteran defensive back who didn’t just fill a gap in the secondary this season, he reignited it.
After bouncing between the Texans and Ravens earlier in the year, Gardner-Johnson landed in Chicago and made the most of what could’ve been a last-chance opportunity. He didn’t just stick - he starred.
Gardner-Johnson brought a spark to defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s unit, stepping in midseason and immediately producing. In just 10 games (seven starts), he racked up 51 total tackles, five tackles for loss, five QB hits, four pass breakups, three sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble.
And here’s the kicker - he did all that while playing cornerback, not his natural position at safety. That kind of versatility doesn’t go unnoticed in today’s league.
It’s the kind of performance that turns heads, especially at a time when coaching staffs across the league are being reshuffled. Gardner-Johnson’s ability to adapt, contribute, and lead on the fly makes him an attractive option for several teams - not just the Bears.
Dallas is one team to watch. The Cowboys just brought in Christian Parker as their new defensive coordinator, and he’s got history with Gardner-Johnson from their time together in Philadelphia. With Dallas potentially eyeing changes at the safety position, that connection could carry weight - if they can make the numbers work under the cap.
The Jets are another intriguing fit. While they’ve brought in a new defensive coordinator, head coach Aaron Glenn is still calling the plays - and he knows Gardner-Johnson well from their shared time in Detroit. Glenn saw firsthand what the veteran can do when given a defined role in a physical, aggressive defense.
Even Green Bay, where Jonathan Gannon just took over as defensive coordinator, could be a dark horse. Gannon coached Gardner-Johnson in 2022 and knows how to deploy him effectively. Fortunately for Bears fans, the Packers don’t currently have a pressing need at slot corner or safety, but that could change quickly if the Bears don’t act fast.
The Bears have a decision to make - and now, with a bigger cap to work with, they have more flexibility to make it. Gardner-Johnson proved this season that he’s still got plenty of gas in the tank and the ability to impact games in multiple ways. Whether he stays in Chicago or cashes in elsewhere, his 2025 campaign set the stage for a well-earned payday.
For now, the Bears hold the cards. But in a league where familiarity, fit, and opportunity matter just as much as cap space, they won’t be holding them for long.