Buffalo Bills Cut Veteran Safety: C.J. Gardner-Johnson Released After Spitting Incident

Buffalo Bills fans saw a familiar face leave the roster on Tuesday. The team released veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, ending his tenure in Buffalo just days after he returned to the lineup.

Gardner-Johnson had just finished serving a one-game suspension. The NFL imposed the penalty after he was ejected for spitting during a Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He missed the Bills' Week 8 victory over the Baltimore Ravens due to that suspension.

The release follows a one-year contract signed in March that paid the 28-year-old $6 million. While the spitting incident drew attention, ESPN reports the decision hinged on his performance in the secondary. The organization reportedly grew frustrated with inconsistent plays, noting too many moments that raised questions about his positioning.

Through six games this season, quarterbacks completed 64.7% of their passes against Gardner-Johnson. He also allowed an 83.5 passer rating. In contrast, Damar Hamlin started in Gardner-Johnson's place last week. Hamlin recorded five tackles and a pass defended in the win over Baltimore and is expected to retain that starting role.

Gardner-Johnson began his career as a fourth-round pick for the New Orleans Saints in 2019. He played three seasons with New Orleans before a 2022 trade sent him to the Philadelphia Eagles. Since then, he has played for the Lions, Texans, Ravens, and Bears before joining Buffalo this offseason.