Bills release C.J. Gardner-Johnson one day after Brock Bowers spitting suspension ends

The Buffalo Bills have officially parted ways with safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, cutting him loose just one day after he served a one-game suspension for spitting in the direction of Las Vegas tight end Brock Bowers. According to the New York Post ^[1], the release was confirmed by The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia, marking the end of a brief and turbulent six-game stint with the team.

Gardner-Johnson, 28, had signed a one-year, $6 million contract with Buffalo in the offseason. He started the team's first six games, recording 26 tackles and one interception, before his season with the Bills came to an abrupt halt. ESPN reported ^[2] that the decision to release him followed the completion of his suspension, with the franchise seemingly prioritizing roster stability over his defensive stats.

The incident occurred during a game against the Raiders, where Gardner-Johnson was ejected just before halftime for the spit directed at Bowers. He subsequently apologized to Bowers, his teammates, and both organizations, stating there was "no excuse" for his actions. This was not his first run-in with league discipline; in 2020, he was accused of spitting on Bears receiver Javon Wims, who retaliated by punching him. He was also ejected from a 2024 game against the Commanders for unsportsmanlike conduct.

His time in 2025 has been defined by movement. He began the year with the Houston Texans but was released after just three games due to reported friction over his role and desire to blitz more. He then joined the Baltimore Ravens without playing a snap before moving to the Chicago Bears, where he appeared in 10 games. The Bills' decision reflects a shift in their defensive strategy. With veterans Damar Hamlin and Geno Stone, along with rookie Jalon Kilgore, the team believes the remaining safeties performed well enough during Gardner-Johnson's suspension to justify keeping them on the active roster. ESPN noted ^[2] that these players also offer greater value on special teams, an area where Gardner-Johnson had contributed nothing.

While Gardner-Johnson won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, his recent history includes a crude social media post about Travis Kelce and his ex-girlfriend, Kayla Nicole, following the victory. For Buffalo, the release is a clean break from a player who brought talent but also a distinct brand of chaos to the locker room.