The Buffalo Bills are adding a Super Bowl-winning defensive back to their secondary, agreeing to a one-year deal with safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson worth up to $6 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Gardner-Johnson enters his eighth NFL season after a winding 2025 campaign. He opened the year with the Houston Texans but was released after three games. He briefly joined the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad before finishing the season with the Chicago Bears, who went on to win the NFC North.
Originally selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Gardner-Johnson spent his first three seasons in New Orleans before stops with the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Texans and Bears. During his career, he has appeared in 87 games with 71 starts, recording 20 interceptions, 55 passes defended, seven sacks and 370 tackles.
Gardner-Johnson had one of his most productive seasons with Philadelphia in 2022 when he led the NFL in interceptions. He later returned to the Eagles and was part of their Super Bowl-winning team in the 2024 season.
In Buffalo, Gardner-Johnson is expected to play a key role in a revamped secondary under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The Bills are reshaping their defense following a divisional-round playoff loss in the 2025 season, and Gardner-Johnson could line up at strong safety alongside Cole Bishop at free safety.
The veteran defensive back brings experience in multiple defensive systems and has shown the ability to contribute both in coverage and as a blitzer. His addition provides Buffalo with a younger veteran presence in the secondary while filling the void left by longtime safety Jordan Poyer.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].