Bills take $6 million chance on C.J. Gardner-Johnson after chaotic season

C.J. Gardner-Johnson turned a strong finish to a turbulent season into a chance with a Super Bowl contender.

The veteran safety signed a one-year, $6 million deal with the Bills on Thursday, ESPN.com reported.

The move is the latest by the Bills to revamp a defense that was above league-average, but struggled against some of the league’s top offenses.

Buffalo’s season ended with a heartbreaking 33-30 overtime loss to the Broncos in the AFC Divisional Round.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson signed with the Bills. Getty Images

The Bills have prioritized improving their passing defense this offseason with the signing of pass rusher Bradley Chubb and cornerback Dee Alford.

Safety was a position of need, as well, with the team likely moving on from the players who filled the depth chart there last season.

Taylor Rapp was cut earlier this offseason and veterans Jordan Poyer, Damar Hamlin and Darnell Savage appear unlikely to be re-signed.

After winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles, the 28-year-old Gardner Johnson started last season on the Texans but was released after just three games over “friction behind the scenes.”

Gardner-Johnson was reportedly frustrated by his role on the team and “wanting to blitz more.”

He then signed with the Ravens but never appeared in a game for the team. Gardner-Johnson then landed on the Bears, who were dealing with a number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson #35 of the Chicago Bears breaks up a pass intended for Terrance Ferguson #18 of the Los Angeles Rams during overtime of an NFL divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on Jan. 18, 2026 in Chicago. Getty Images

Gardner-Johnson saw significant playing time in Chicago and helped the team win the NFC North. He played in 10 games and and tallied three sacks and two interceptions.

Now, he joins a Super Bowl contender with Josh Allen’s squad looking to get over their playoff missteps.

The Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott after the season and promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to the position.