The Buffalo Bills have released safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, according to a report from Heavy on Wednesday. The move comes as a surprise given Gardner-Johnson's experience and previous Pro Bowl-caliber play with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Gardner-Johnson, who wore No. 8 for the Eagles, was photographed at Lincoln Financial Field on December 15, 2024, ahead of Philadelphia's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The defensive back joined Buffalo after his stint in Philadelphia but has now been let go by the Bills organization.
The release opens the door for Gardner-Johnson to explore free agency as teams evaluate secondary depth heading into the latter portion of the 2026 NFL season. His versatility in the defensive backfield and playmaking ability could attract interest from multiple clubs seeking veteran leadership.
