Bills release C.J. Gardner-Johnson after Brock Bowers spitting incident

The Buffalo Bills have released safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson just one day after he completed a one-game suspension for spitting toward Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. Gardner-Johnson, who joined the Bills on a one-year, $6 million contract during the offseason, appeared in six games this season, recording 26 tackles and an interception. Following the incident, Gardner-Johnson publicly apologized to Bowers, his teammates, and both franchises, calling his actions inappropriate and unnecessary.

The roster move adds to a turbulent recent stretch for the 28-year-old defensive back, who spent time with the Texans, Ravens, and Bears during the 2025 campaign. Gardner-Johnson has been involved in several on-field controversies throughout his NFL career, including a 2024 ejection and an accusation in 2020 of spitting at then-Bears receiver Javon Wims.