Buffalo Bills signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and, in his introductory press conference, pushed back on the idea that he's a poor teammate, saying the perception doesn't matter and that he plans to build relationships and contribute as he adapts to a new team.
Brandon Beane signs C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year, $6 million deal, a bold departure from the McDermott era that leans into Gardner-Johnson’s high-emotion playmaking and gives Buffalo a flexible path through 2026 if the acquisition clicks with the defense.
Buffalo signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year, $6 million deal after his productive Bears stint, bringing veteran defense to the Bills while raising questions about his long-term fit given brief stops with the Texans and Ravens; Chicago, meanwhile, must rebuild its secondary in the draft after losing Gardner-Johnson and other veterans.
Breer surveys the NFL free-agent landscape, noting that the Vikings’ move toward Kyler Murray would be a logical attempt to reframe their offense after McCarthy’s rocky year and that Murray’s fit under O’Connell could unlock their weapons; Crosby’s status with the Raiders appears stable for now, complicating potential trades; the piece flags bargain signings like Bills safety CJ Gardner-Johnson and Buccaneers defensive end Al-Quadin Muhammad, and backs the Daniel Jones deal with the Colts at about $44 million per year, while touching on Kamara/Payton link chatter, Garoppolo’s Rams fit, and Solomon Thomas joining the Titans, plus a short list of late targets (Walker, Jennings, Durant, Paul).
Buffalo signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million to bolster a safety room depleted by departures, hoping the 28-year-old can recapture his 2024 playmaking form; his 2025 path was volatile (Texans, Ravens practice squad, Bears), so he’ll compete with Cole Bishop for a starting job in a revamped defense, aided by cap space from DJ Moore’s restructuring.
Buffalo signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year contract worth up to $6 million to bolster its secondary, adding to an offseason with the addition of edge rusher Bradley Chubb. Gardner-Johnson, who has played for the Eagles, Lions, Saints, Bears and Texans, posted 51 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble in 10 regular-season games last year and missed the playoff opener with a concussion; he’s aiming to help the Bills chase their first Super Bowl.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson has signed with the Chicago Bears after a tumultuous season involving multiple team changes, including stints with the Texans, Ravens, and Eagles, and is expected to bolster the Bears' secondary amid injuries. His season has been marked by frustration and team moves, but he remains passionate about continuing his NFL career.
The Chicago Bears signed DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the active roster and added DL Jonathan Garvin and OL Royce Newman to the practice squad, bolstering their defensive and offensive options.
The Chicago Bears have signed veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to strengthen their secondary, adding a fiery player known for his aggressive style to bolster their defense amid injuries.
The Chicago Bears have signed veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to bolster their depleted secondary, bringing him in after a series of team changes within a year, and he will reunite with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson was released by the Baltimore Ravens after the team acquired safety Alohi Gilman, citing a mutual decision to seek clearer playing opportunities. Gardner-Johnson, who previously played for the Texans and Eagles, is now back on the open market with championship experience, after a brief stint with the Ravens following his signing to their practice squad.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson was released by the Ravens after a tumultuous season marked by multiple team changes and off-field controversies, including a Super Bowl win with the Eagles and a social media troll targeting Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift. His future in the NFL remains uncertain as he seeks a new team.
The Baltimore Ravens are releasing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson from their practice squad after trading for safety Alohi Gilman, leading Gardner-Johnson to seek a new team. He has previously played for Houston and the Eagles, winning a Super Bowl with the latter.
The Baltimore Ravens signed veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to their practice squad to bolster their secondary, especially after injuries and struggles at safety positions, despite his recent release from the Texans where he had limited success adapting to their scheme.
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans clarified that the team did not attempt to trade safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and decided to release him based on what he believed was best for the team, emphasizing a focus on upcoming games and team unity amid questions about potential dysfunction.