Former Bears CB C.J. Gardner-Johnson signing with Bills
Former Bears cornerback C.J. Gardner-Johnson is off to Buffalo.
He agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Bills on Thursday — and posted a photo on social media of Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen smiling with diamond-studded teeth. The deal is worth up to $6 million.
Gardner-Johnson performed ably after signing with the Bears in late October to help buoy a banged-up defensive backfield. Gardner-Johnson began the season in Houston before the Texans cut him after three games. He later spent a week on the Eagles’ practice squad.
— C.J. Gardner-Johnson (@CGJXXIII) March 12, 2026
Gardner-Johnson carried a reputation for being feisty — in 2020, after all, he taunted Bears players until they punched him in two separate games — but didn’t make many waves during his 2025 stint.
Instead, his play with the Bears spoke for him — he had two interceptions, a forced fumble and three sacks. He played in 10 games, starting seven, at slot cornerback. He started the Bears’ playoff loss to the Rams over a healthy Kyler Gordon.