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Report: CJ Gardner-Johnson to sign 1-year contract with Buffalo Bills

ns_headshot_2024-clearby: Nick Schultz03/12/26NickSchultz_7

Former Chicago Bears cornerback CJ Gardner-Johnson is signing with the Buffalo Bills, according to multiple reports. He will sign a one-year deal worth up to $6 million, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

Gardner-Johnson started the 2025 season with the Houston Texans, but was released after three games. He then headed to Chicago, where he reunited with Dennis Allen, for whom he played with the New Orleans Saints. With the Bears, Gardner-Johnson had two interceptions to go with 51 tackles, including five tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks.

After the news broke, Gardner-Johnson shared his reaction on social media. He posted a GIF of new quarterback Josh Allen as he celebrated his new contract and new team.

Gardner-Johnson started his career with the Saints in 2019 after they drafted him in the fourth round of the NFL Draft out of Florida. His best season in New Orleans was in 2021 when he had three tackles while recording 46 total tackles.

However, CJ Gardner-Johnson put up his biggest numbers in 2022 with the Philadelphia Eagles. That year, he totaled six interceptions while setting a career-high with 67 tackles, including five tackles for loss and a sack, across 12 games. After a season in Detroit with the Lions in 2023, Gardner-Johnson then returned to Philadelphia in 2024 and was part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX title team.

Buffalo has been active so far in free agency and made a big splash on defense this week. Former Miami Dolphins edge rusher Bradley Chubb agreed to a three-year contract worth $43.5 million, including $29 million guaranteed, according to Spotrac. Former Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford also inked a three-year deal worth $15.75 million.

But one of the Bills’ biggest moves came on the trade market – and also involved the Bears. Chicago sent DJ Moore and a fifth-round pick to Buffalo in exchange for a second-round selection. That means Allen will have a new top receiver in Moore, who had 3,012 yards and 20 touchdowns during his three seasons in Chicago. That includes a career-high 1,364 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023.

It’s part of a new era in Buffalo after the franchise parted ways with head coach Sean McDermott after a 12-5 record during the 2025 season, as well as another early exit in the playoffs. The Bills then promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach, choosing continuity on offense with Allen back at quarterback.