BUFFALO BILLS RELEASE SAFETY CJ GARDNER-JOHNSON

The Buffalo Bills have released safety CJ Gardner-Johnson, cutting him immediately after he served a one-game suspension linked to a spitting incident on 18 October. Gardner-Johnson missed Buffalo's 36-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens, a result that extended the team's record to 6-1. He had signed a one-year contract with the Bills worth $3.5 million. NFL insider Wolfe reported that the Bills' decision was driven by Gardner-Johnson's on-field performance rather than the suspension alone. The move marks the seventh time in eight years that Gardner-Johnson has left an NFL team. The Bills have not issued further public comment beyond confirming the release.

Safety Damar Hamlin started in Gardner-Johnson's place against the Ravens, recording five tackles, including two unassisted, and one pass breakup. Buffalo's defence allowed just 144 total yards in that game. Wolfe said: "Bills felt there were too many 'what the hell is he doing' plays than was worth it for Gardner-Johnson. Buffalo felt better trusting Damar over CJ going forward." The Bills have recently been labelled the NFL's most undisciplined team. Earlier in the season, Gardner-Johnson recorded an interception and two pass breakups against the Los Angeles Chargers, though his tackle production was inconsistent across games.

Hamlin's performance against Baltimore gave Buffalo's coaching staff confidence to continue with him in the starting safety role. Buffalo currently lead the AFC East following the win over the Ravens. Gardner-Johnson becomes a free agent and is expected to search for a new team elsewhere in the league. No timetable has been given for any decision on his next destination.