Buffalo Bills Release Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson Following Suspension

The Buffalo Bills officially released veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Tuesday, ending his tenure with the team just eight games into the 2026 NFL season. The decision was announced shortly after the conclusion of a one-game suspension the league imposed on the 28-year-old following a spitting incident during an October 18 game against the Las Vegas Raiders.

Gardner-Johnson, who signed a one-year contract with the Bills in March, started in six of his appearances for the team this season. He was ejected from the Week 6 contest against Las Vegas after cameras captured him spitting in the direction of Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and center Tyler Linderbaum. The NFL subsequently issued a one-game suspension without pay, which the player appealed unsuccessfully. Consequently, he sat out the Bills' Week 8 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

While the disciplinary action drew significant negative attention, reports indicate that the decision to part ways was primarily driven by the player's inconsistent performance on the field. Sources close to the organization noted that the coaching staff had concerns regarding his reliability in the secondary, citing frequent missed assignments and lapses in coverage. Over his six games, Gardner-Johnson allowed a 64.7% completion rate and an 83.5 passer rating against him.

In the wake of his departure, the Bills are expected to rely on Damar Hamlin to fill the vacancy in the secondary. Hamlin started in place of Gardner-Johnson during the recent win against Baltimore, recording five tackles and a pass defended. The team appears comfortable moving forward with this adjustment as they maintain their position as one of the AFC's top-performing teams.

Gardner-Johnson’s time in Buffalo was also characterized by other controversies, including public disparaging remarks directed at New England Patriots wide receiver Efton Chism III during the fourth week of the season. Following the spitting incident, the safety faced criticism for his lack of accountability, as he publicly characterized the event as a competitive "heat of the moment" interaction rather than acknowledging the severity of the behavior.

The release marks another chapter in a turbulent stretch for the veteran defensive back, who has played for several teams in recent years, including the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, and Chicago Bears. Having previously been a key contributor during the Philadelphia Eagles' runs to two Super Bowls, Gardner-Johnson now faces the challenge of securing a roster spot with a new organization while navigating the implications of his recent disciplinary record.