The Buffalo Bills have released C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the team announced a day after the safety completed a one-game suspension for spitting in the direction of Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Gardner-Johnson, 28, signed a one-year, $6 million contract with the Bills in the offseason and played in six games for the team in the current season, recording 26 tackles and one interception.
His release follows a turbulent period for the player, who spent time with three different teams during the 2025 season. The Houston Texans released Gardner-Johnson after three games due to reported friction behind the scenes and player dissatisfaction with his role. He then joined the Baltimore Ravens but did not appear in any games before signing with the Chicago Bears, where he played 10 games.
The incident involving Bowers occurred last month, after which Gardner-Johnson issued an apology to Bowers, his teammates, and both organizations. He acknowledged his actions were "inappropriate" and "unnecessary."
This was not the first on-field disciplinary issue for Gardner-Johnson. In 2024, he was ejected from a game against the Commanders after receiving two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties and subsequently flipped off Washington fans. In 2020, while with the New Orleans Saints, he was accused of spitting on Bears receiver Javon Wims, leading to an altercation where Wims punched him twice.
Gardner-Johnson also drew attention following the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl victory in February 2025 when he posted a controversial social media message directed at Travis Kelce.