Bears Add Safety Anthony Johnson Jr. to Bolster Depth Ahead of 2026 OTAs

The Chicago Bears continue to reshape their roster this offseason, adding veteran depth across multiple positions as they prepare for organized team activities. On Wednesday, the team signed safety Anthony Johnson Jr., according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, further reinforcing a secondary that has undergone significant turnover.

Johnson arrives in Chicago as a young but experienced defensive back who has already spent time with multiple NFL organizations since entering the league in 2023. Originally a seventh-round draft pick of the Green Bay Packers out of Iowa State, he has navigated a career marked by early opportunity, roster competition, and shifting roles.

Across his rookie season in Green Bay, Johnson appeared in 12 games and made four starts, contributing 24 tackles along with an interception and three pass deflections. His role, however, fluctuated as the Packers continued to rebuild their defensive backfield.

After spending time with both Green Bay and the New York Giants, Johnson now joins a Bears team looking to stabilize its safety group while continuing to evaluate depth options during the offseason program.

1. Early Career And NFL Rotation

Johnson entered the NFL in 2023 as a late-round selection, viewed primarily as a developmental defensive back with special teams value. Despite his draft status, he earned early playing time with the Packers and was thrust into rotational duties during his first season. In 2023, he logged more than 300 defensive snaps, showing flashes of potential in coverage while also contributing on special teams. His overall performance earned a modest impact grade among safeties, reflecting an uneven but serviceable rookie campaign. However, his standing in Green Bay changed the following year when the team significantly upgraded its secondary. With the addition of high-profile and younger defensive backs, Johnson’s opportunities became limited during the 2024 preseason. He was ultimately waived during final roster cuts as the Packers prioritized a new wave of defensive talent, forcing Johnson to seek another opportunity elsewhere in the league.

2. Time With Giants And Setbacks

After being released by Green Bay, Johnson was claimed by the New York Giants, where he spent the 2024 season primarily in a depth and special teams role. His usage on defense was limited, but he remained active on game-day rosters for a portion of the year. He appeared in nine games with New York, recording most of his snaps on special teams while seeing minimal action on defense. His role reflected his standing as a depth option rather than a rotational starter. Johnson’s stint with the Giants, however, did not extend into the following season. He was sidelined after failing a physical ahead of the 2025 campaign, which led to a full season on injured reserve. By March 2026, the Giants released him, leaving him available on the free-agent market before the Bears elected to bring him in during the offseason.

3. Chicago’s Secondary And New Opportunity

Johnson joins a Bears secondary that has undergone major restructuring heading into the 2026 season. The team moved on from veteran starters Kevin Byard III and Jaquan Brisker in free agency, signaling a shift toward a younger and more flexible defensive backfield. Chicago has since added multiple reinforcements, including former Seattle Seahawks defensive back Coby Bryant on a three-year contract and Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman with a first-round draft selection. Those moves indicate a clear effort to rebuild the unit with a mix of experience and youth. Behind the projected starters, competition remains open for depth roles. Elijah Hicks returns as a reserve option, while Cam Lewis and undrafted rookie Skyler Thomas are also in the mix for roster spots and special teams responsibilities. Johnson’s path likely centers on special teams contribution and rotational safety depth, areas where his previous NFL experience could give him an edge as he competes for a role during OTAs and training camp.