Spitting NFL star CJ Gardner-Johnson thrown into the abyss as Buffalo Bills cut him and he’s forced to find seventh team in eight years

The Buffalo Bills have released safety CJ Gardner-Johnson following a one-game suspension for spitting at an opponent. The 28-year-old was ejected from Buffalo's Week 6 game against the Las Vegas Raiders after spitting toward Brock Bowers. Although head coach Joe Brady initially suggested Gardner-Johnson would return to the lineup for Week 9, the team reversed course and officially announced his release on Tuesday.

According to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe, the release was tied more to inconsistent on-field performances than solely to the disciplinary incident. Damar Hamlin is now projected to step in as the Bills' starting safety. Buffalo marked the sixth NFL franchise of Gardner-Johnson's eight-year career, having previously suited up for New Orleans, Philadelphia, Detroit, Houston, and Chicago.