Bears Sign Veteran CB Cam Lewis to Two-Year Deal

Signing Raises Questions About Future of CJGJ and Safety Roles

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Chicago Bears have signed veteran cornerback Cam Lewis to a two-year contract. The move raises questions about whether Lewis will replace C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who had a standout season for the Bears in 2025 but is expected to command a big contract in free agency, or if Lewis will be an upgrade over safety Jonathan Owens, who is also a free agent.

Why it matters

The Bears' secondary was a strength in 2025, and the team will need to make key decisions on how to maintain that level of play. The Lewis signing suggests the Bears are preparing for potential departures in the defensive backfield, either at cornerback or safety.

The details

Lewis, 28, is a six-year NFL veteran who has played in 76 games, including 10 starts over the past two seasons. He has experience playing both outside cornerback and in the slot. The Bears may view Lewis as insurance in case they are unable to re-sign Gardner-Johnson, who emerged as a playmaker for them last season. Alternatively, Lewis could be an upgrade over Owens at safety, providing more consistency and reliability in run support.

  • The Bears signed Lewis to a two-year contract on March 10, 2026.

The players

Cam Lewis

A 28-year-old veteran cornerback who has played in 76 NFL games over the past six seasons, including 10 starts the last two years.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

A standout cornerback for the Bears in 2025 who is expected to command a big contract as a free agent this offseason.

Jonathan Owens

A Bears safety who is also set to become a free agent this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“The Bears are signing veteran cornerback Cameron Lewis on a two-year deal, a source said. He's a six-year veteran at the age of 28 with 76 games under his belt, including 10 starts the last two seasons.”

— Chris Emma (Twitter)

What’s next

The Bears will need to determine if Lewis is being brought in to replace Gardner-Johnson in the slot or if he is being viewed as an upgrade over Owens at safety. They may also look to address the secondary further through the draft or free agency.

The takeaway

The Bears' signing of Cam Lewis adds depth and experience to their defensive backfield, but raises questions about the futures of C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jonathan Owens. The team will need to carefully evaluate their options in the secondary this offseason to maintain the unit's high level of play.