November 3, 2026, 5:59 p.m. ET
The Buffalo Bills have released safety CJ Gardner-Johnson, the team announced on November 3.
The move comes just a day after Gardner-Johnson served a one-game suspension for spitting on an opposing player. Prior to the suspension, the 28-year-old had started all six games for Buffalo after signing in free agency with the Bills during the offseason.
Gardner-Johnson was ejected before halftime in Buffalo’s Week 6 win for spitting on Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Security posted an apology on their Instagram story after the incident:
“I want to take a moment to reflect on my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization and everyone who supports me,” Gardner-Johnson wrote. “My passion and competitive nature have always been an integral part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed. The gesture I made towards my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary and did not reflect the respect I have for him or this game.
“There is no excuse for my actions and I take full responsibility for them. No matter how emotional or intense the competition, I must hold myself to a higher standard.”
Head coach Joe Brady gave no indication that Gardner-Johnson was in danger of being cut when he met with the media on October 19:
“CJ is a member of the Buffalo Bills,” Brady said when asked if Gardner-Johnson would continue to start. “We brought him here for a reason. He knows he has to play better. He knows he has to be better for this team. Like everyone else, we have to learn from all of this and we have to improve and find ways to improve as the season goes on.”
The Bills were Gardner-Johnson’s sixth team in eight NFL seasons. He finished his career in Buffalo with six games played, 26 total tackles and one interception.
Buffalo currently has three safeties on its active roster – Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop and rookie Jalon Kilgore. Geno Stone appears to be an option that may be left off the practice squad.
Gn sports
