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

Gardner-Johnson was ejected during Buffalo’s October 18 game against the Raiders after spitting toward Bowers. The NFL suspended him for one game, which he served during the Bills’ Week 8 win over Baltimore following the team’s bye. Buffalo announced his release on November 3.

The 28-year-old joined the Bills on a one-year contract worth up to $6 million and started all six games he played for the team. He recorded 26 tackles, two passes defended and one interception, but his coverage and tackling were inconsistent. One account of the decision said the team’s concerns about his play, rather than the spitting incident, were the main reason for the release.

Before the suspension, coach Joe Brady had said Gardner-Johnson remained a member of the team and needed to improve. Gardner-Johnson appealed the suspension and lost. He later described the incident as a heat-of-the-moment act and said he needed to control his emotions; he also apologized to Bowers, teammates and both teams, writing that his actions were inappropriate and unnecessary.

Damar Hamlin started in Gardner-Johnson’s place against Baltimore, recording five tackles and a pass defended. Buffalo, which is 6-1, is scheduled to face the 6-1 Minnesota Vikings in its Week 9 game.

Gardner-Johnson played for the Bills after previous stops with the Saints, Eagles, Lions, Texans, Ravens and Bears. He appeared in 10 games for Chicago last season, recording two interceptions and three sacks.