Former Packers draft pick Anthony Johnson Jr. to sign with Bears

A former draft pick of the Green Bay Packers is signing with the rival Chicago Bears . According to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz , defensive back Anthony Johnson Jr. -- a seventh-round pick of the Packers in 2023 -- will sign with the Bears.

Johnson was a tryout player for the Bears at rookie minicamp earlier this month. The Packers drafted Johnson out of Iowa State with the 242nd overall pick in the 2023 draft. As a rookie, Johnson appeared in 12 games, including four starts, and he produced 24 tackles, three passes defensed and an interception.

His first career interception came during a win over the Los Angeles Rams . He also appeared in both playoff games. Johnson was released by the Packers at final cuts before the 2024 season.

He was claimed off waivers by the New York Giants and eventually played in nine games, seeing action on 21 defensive snaps and 113 on special teams. Johnson spent the entire 2025 season on injured reserve and was waived by the Giants in March. Johnson will join a Bears safety room that includes first-round pick Dillon Thieneman, free agent signings Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis and undrafted free agent Skyler Thomas.