Gardner-Johnson released by Bills after spitting ban

The Buffalo Bills have released safety CJ Gardner-Johnson after he served a one-game suspension for spitting in the direction of Las Vegas Raiders' Brock Bowers.

The 28-year-old, whose appeal against the decision was rejected, missed week eight's 36-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

NFL Network reported on Tuesday that the Bills' decision was driven more by inconsistency in Gardner-Johnson's performances than by the spitting incident.

Gardner-Johnson started the first six games after joining the team during the off-season.

He recorded 26 tackles, two passes defended and one interception for the Bills.

Damar Hamlin replaced him in the starting line-up against the Ravens and is likely to retain his place in the team.

Gardner-Johnson has also had spells with the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears since leaving the New Orleans Saints at the end of the 2021 season.

A fourth-round pick by the Saints in 2019, Gardner-Johnson helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl in February 2025.