Gardner-Johnson, 28, played six games for the Bills this season after signing a one-year, $6 million deal in the offseason, the Post reports. He had 26 tackles and an interception, the Post says.

He was ejected from the game against the Raiders in the second quarter, BBC Sport reports. His appeal against the suspension was rejected, and he missed the Bills' 36-10 win over the Baltimore Ravens, the BBC says.

After the incident, Gardner-Johnson apologized to Bowers, his teammates and the two teams, the Post reports. “There is no excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability,” he wrote.

NFL Network reported that the decision was driven more by inconsistency in his play than by the spitting, the BBC says. Damar Hamlin replaced him in the starting lineup against the Ravens and is likely to keep his place.

Gardner-Johnson spent time with three clubs in 2025, the Post reports. He was released by the Houston Texans after three games, then joined the Ravens without playing before moving to the Chicago Bears.

He has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions since leaving the New Orleans Saints after the 2021 season, the BBC reports. He helped the Eagles win the Super Bowl, the BBC says.

In 2024, Gardner-Johnson was ejected from a game against the Commanders after two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, the Post reports. He was a fourth-round pick of the Saints in 2019, the BBC says.

What we know: The Bills released Gardner-Johnson after his suspension for spitting toward Bowers.
What we don't: Whether another team will sign him.