C.J. Gardner-Johnson Cut by Bills After Spitting Suspension

The Nov. 3 roster move highlights how a single on-field misconduct episode quickly changed the veteran safety’s standing and public profile.

Overview

Gardner-Johnson spat toward Raiders tight end Brock Bowers on Oct. 18, was ejected from that game and assessed a 15-yard unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty.
The NFL suspended him one game without pay for the incident, his appeal was denied, and he served the suspension during Buffalo’s Week 8 game against Baltimore.
The Bills announced his release on Nov. 3 and used the open roster spot to promote defensive back Te’Cory Couch from the practice squad.
Gardner-Johnson had started six games for Buffalo with 26 tackles and one interception, and his history of short stints with multiple teams since 2019 is likely to factor into other clubs’ interest.
On Nov. 14 he posted an emotional Instagram Story saying “EVERYONE turned on me,” and he remains a free agent whose next opportunity will depend on how teams balance his playmaking record against his conduct history.