Former Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is on the move again after another short-lived stint with an NFL team.

The Buffalo Bills are releasing Gardner-Johnson, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, ending the veteran defensive back's tenure just eight games into the 2026 season. The reported decision follows Gardner-Johnson's one-game suspension for spitting toward Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers during Buffalo's Week 6 victory.

Gardner-Johnson started six games for the Bills before missing Sunday's 36-10 victory over the Baltimore Ravens while serving the suspension. Buffalo confirmed the news.

The 28-year-old signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with Buffalo in March after spending the 2025 season with multiple teams, including the Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson released after suspension with Bills

Gardner-Johnson's release comes shortly after he became eligible to return from his one-game suspension.

The NFL disciplined the veteran safety following an incident during Buffalo's Oct. 18 victory over Las Vegas. Gardner-Johnson was ejected after spitting in the direction of Bowers during the second quarter, prompting the league to issue a one-game suspension without pay. Gardner-Johnson appealed the discipline, but the suspension was upheld Oct. 22. He was forced to miss the Bills' Week 8 matchup against Baltimore.

The former Eagles safety publicly apologized for the incident and acknowledged that his conduct was inappropriate. Buffalo initially indicated it intended to move forward with Gardner-Johnson, but the organization has now reportedly decided to part ways.

Gardner-Johnson played a key role in the Eagles' Super Bowl run

Gardner-Johnson remains a recognizable figure in Philadelphia after helping the Eagles reach two Super Bowls during his two separate stints with the organization.

The Eagles originally acquired Gardner-Johnson in a trade with the New Orleans Saints before the 2022 season. He immediately became an impact player in Philadelphia's secondary, recording six interceptions and helping the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII. After spending the 2023 season with the Detroit Lions, Gardner-Johnson returned to Philadelphia in 2024 and again recorded six interceptions.

He started 16 regular-season games and all four playoff contests as the Eagles captured their second Super Bowl championship, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

Despite his production, Philadelphia traded Gardner-Johnson to Houston in March 2025, beginning a stretch of several roster changes. He appeared in three games with the Texans before being released, briefly joined Baltimore's practice squad, and finished the 2025 season with Chicago.

Gardner-Johnson recorded 51 tackles, five tackles for loss and two interceptions in 10 games with the Bears before signing with Buffalo.

Could Eagles consider another reunion?

The reported release makes Gardner-Johnson a potential option for teams seeking experienced secondary help, although a return to Philadelphia would require several considerations. The Eagles already have Cooper DeJean, Andrew Mukuba, and multiple veteran defensive backs competing for roles, and Philadelphia has given no indication it is pursuing Gardner-Johnson.

His previous success in Philadelphia and familiarity with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system could make the possibility worth examining, but his recent movement between teams and disciplinary history would also factor into any evaluation.

For now, Gardner-Johnson is preparing for another NFL opportunity after his latest departure.

The former Eagles safety has demonstrated the ability to create turnovers and contribute to successful defenses, but finding stability with another organization remains his next challenge.