C.J. Gardner-Johnson is a veteran ball-hawking safety who signed with the Buffalo Bills in 2026.
Gardner-Johnson, a Cocoa, Florida, native and University of Florida product, signed a one-year deal with Buffalo in March 2026. Known as one of the league's most outspoken and disruptive defensive backs, he has bounced between several teams while consistently producing takeaways. He brings an edge and playmaking ability to the Bills secondary.
Path to the league
Gardner-Johnson played college football at Florida, where he was a versatile and productive defensive back for the Gators. The New Orleans Saints selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He has since played for the Saints, Eagles, Lions, Texans, Bears and now the Bills.
Career highlights
Gardner-Johnson led the NFL in interceptions during the 2022 season with Philadelphia and has won a Super Bowl during his career. He has built a reputation as a turnover producer and a vocal competitor. In March 2026 he signed a one-year contract with Buffalo to add a spark to the Bills defense.
2025 season
Gardner-Johnson's 2025 season was eventful. He was traded to the Houston Texans in March 2025 and started the first three games before being released. He spent a week on Baltimore's practice squad before Chicago signed him on October 29. Over 10 regular-season games with the Bears he recorded 51 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble.
Sources
- Buffalo Bills: Bills sign safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson
- ESPN: C.J. Gardner-Johnson player page
Statistics
2025 season and career2025 Season · Defense
3 games played▶Defense · career
| Year | Team | GP | TOT | SOLO | SACK | INT | FF | FR | PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | texans | 3 | 15 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | bears | 10 | 51 | 35 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2025 | 2025 Totals | 13 | 66 | 46 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 |
| 2024 | eagles | 16 | 59 | 35 | 0 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 12 |
| 2023 | lions | 3 | 17 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| 2022 | eagles | 12 | 67 | 61 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 8 |
| 2021 | saints | 12 | 46 | 32 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
| 2020 | saints | 15 | 66 | 52 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 13 |
| 2019 | saints | 16 | 49 | 38 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 8 |
Player Profile
Background
- Position
- Safety
- Group
- defense
- College
- Florida
- Hometown
- Cocoa, FL, USA
- Age
- 28
- Status
- active
