C.J. Gardner-Johnson Signs with Bills
C.J. Gardner-Johnson has officially signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills, valued at up to $6 million. The 28-year-old safety joins the team after a season spent with the Chicago Bears, where he recorded 66 tackles, including 3.0 sacks, two interceptions, and four passes defended in 2025.
Gardner-Johnson’s journey in the NFL has seen him play for five different teams over the past four seasons. He began the 2025 season with the Houston Texans but was released after just three games. He then contributed significantly to the Bears, logging 51 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in 10 regular season games.
Originally drafted in the fourth round by the New Orleans Saints in 2019, Gardner-Johnson has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl ring. His versatility and experience are expected to be valuable assets for the Bills as they look to strengthen their defense.
The Bills have not re-signed any of their outgoing free agents at the safety position, making Gardner-Johnson’s acquisition a timely move. He is likely to compete for the starting job alongside rookie Cole Bishop as the team builds its defense under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.
With Gardner-Johnson’s proven track record and the Bills’ commitment to enhancing their defensive lineup, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will fit into the team’s plans for the upcoming season. The addition of Gardner-Johnson marks a significant step in the Bills’ efforts to improve their defensive capabilities.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how Gardner-Johnson will integrate into the Bills’ defensive schemes, but his past performance suggests he will be a key player moving forward.
