chicago_suntimes
The Buffalo Bills announced the release of cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Tuesday, parting ways with the veteran defensive back just days after he completed a one-game suspension for spitting toward Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Gardner-Johnson had been a starter in all six of Buffalo's games this season prior to the disciplinary action.
Gardner-Johnson originally entered the league with the New Orleans Saints, where he played under current Bears defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. During his time in New Orleans, he famously provoked the ejection of two different Bears players in a single season. Since 2023, he has suited up for the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, and Buffalo Bills.
Last year, the Bears signed Gardner-Johnson to bolster a defensive backfield that had been ravaged by injuries to Kyler Gordon, Jaylon Johnson, and others. In 10 games for Chicago, he recorded two interceptions and three sacks while primarily playing slot cornerback. The Bears opted not to re-sign him in the offseason.
In Buffalo, Gardner-Johnson transitioned to safety, where Pro Football Focus ranked him 71st out of 98 qualified players at the position. His stint with the Bills lasted just six games before the suspension and subsequent release.
Key Analysis
While the Bears have faced injuries in their secondary this season—safety Coby Bryant is out until at least December, and cornerback Malik Muhammad missed Monday's game—the team is not as desperate for depth as it was last year. Kyler Gordon has solidified the slot cornerback role, a position Gardner-Johnson filled in 2023, and has emerged as one of Chicago's top defenders.
Originally reported by chicago_suntimes.