C.J. Gardner-Johnson spent years expertly getting under his opponents' skin, but his latest NFL antics finally crossed a line and cost him his roster spot with the Buffalo Bills after a literal fluid exchange with Brock Bowers that led to a suspension.

The Bills are cutting Gardner-Johnson after he was ejected in a game against the Las Vegas Raiders for spitting on Bowers and received a one-game NFL ban. The 29-year-old played only six games for Buffalo and arrived this season as a veteran addition to its secondary.

The team parted ways with Gardner-Johnson despite Buffalo's pass defense being one of the NFL's weakest units this season. He became eligible to return to the active roster Monday after missing Buffalo's 36-10 blowout of the Baltimore Ravens.

Rather than preparing for his return, he'll reportedly look for another job just 24 hours later, according to a Schultz report on Tuesday.

The issue began on October 18, when Gardner-Johnson exchanged words with Bowers during Buffalo's 33-30 win in Las Vegas. Officials ejected him for spitting at an opponent, and the NFL later issued a one-game, unpaid suspension.

His appeal failed, and the league upheld the punishment days later after ruling that his actions violated its unsportsmanlike conduct provisions despite his later apology.

The problem became clear when San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk shared on X that the spitting incident was "the least surprising thing ever." He claimed Gardner-Johnson spat at him last season when Chicago faced San Francisco.

"Spit on me last year when we beat Chicago," Juszczyk added. That allegation came after the NFL already fined the safety $11,194 for striking Rams running back Kyren Williams earlier in October.

Gardner-Johnson also received an ejection with Philadelphia in 2024 after two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against Washington. NFL fans reacted predictably on social media, with a wave of support for Buffalo's decision.

One fan wrote, "DESERVED! LMAO," while another commenter added, "Knew this was coming." A third simply declared, "Not surprised." Others questioned whether the team made the decision because of a decline in play.

Gardner-Johnson started all six of his appearances, recording 26 tackles, two pass breakups, and a 41-yard interception return against the Chargers. Buffalo's pass defense ranks 30th in passing yards allowed and 21st in overall coverage grade.

The secondary ranks in the bottom three in passing yards and net passing yards allowed, ahead of only the Detroit Lions and Tennessee Titans.

Only four teams have allowed more passing touchdowns this season, with the Bills giving up 15, compared to the Minnesota Vikings, who rank No. 1 with just four.