Bills Cut Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson After Suspension

Short tenure comes to a quick end

The Buffalo Bills made a roster move on Tuesday by releasing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. This decision came just one day after the NFL lifted his one-game suspension. The veteran defensive back spent a short time with the team, playing in only six games after signing with Buffalo during the offseason.

Gardner-Johnson earned his suspension after getting ejected right before halftime against the Las Vegas Raiders. The ejection happened because he spit in the direction of Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Before the suspension, the 28-year-old started all six games for Buffalo, finishing his brief stint with 26 tackles, two pass breakups, and one interception.

Internal safety options step up

With Gardner-Johnson gone, the Bills are turning to other players in their secondary. Their options at safety now include veterans Damar Hamlin and Geno Stone, as well as rookie Jalon Kilgore. Hamlin and Stone filled in as the active starters in Week 8 when Buffalo secured a victory against Baltimore while Gardner-Johnson served his punishment.

There is a sense inside the building that these current options played well enough to deserve a longer look at the starting job. Additionally, Hamlin, Stone, and Kilgore provide solid contributions on special teams. Gardner-Johnson did not play any special teams snaps across his six weeks in Buffalo.

A history of changing teams

Gardner-Johnson has spent plenty of time moving around the league. Before signing with Buffalo, he played for six teams in five years. His career highlights include winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024.

Now, Buffalo moves forward without him as they prepare for their next challenge on the schedule.

What it means for the next game

Buffalo Bills at Minnesota Vikings (NFL, Tue, 10 Nov): Minnesota Vikings win 39%, Buffalo Bills win 61%; projected score Minnesota Vikings 21, Buffalo Bills 23. Our safest pick: Vikings +10.5.