C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the Super Bowl LIX champion, just got cut loose by the Buffalo Bills. Seriously, talk about a quick turnaround. This isn’t just some rumor floating around; NFL insider Jordan Schultz broke the news, and the Bills themselves confirmed it. For a guy who’s supposed to be a defensive difference-maker, this move is loud, and that 25.7% missed tackle rate? Yeah, that’s what’s screaming the loudest.
The Buffalo Blunder: Why CJGJ Was Out
Let’s be real, it wasn’t just the missed tackles, though that number is truly wild. Heading into Week 9, his 25.7% missed tackle rate was the highest in the entire NFL for any qualifying safety. That’s not just “needs improvement,” that’s “actively struggling.” The guy is turning 29 in December, and you expect veteran leadership, not this kind of fundamental breakdown. Beyond the serious issues with tackling, there was also that one-game suspension for spitting toward Raiders tight end Brock Bowers. It’s like the Buffalo Rumblings folks said, another “short-lived stint” for the “mercurial safety.” You’ve gotta show up, keep your head, and make the plays, especially when you’re supposed to be a big-name signing.
A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss: His NFL Journey
This isn’t CJGJ’s first rodeo, or his second, or even his third. This guy has been on a tour of the NFL. The Eagles traded him to the Houston Texans in March 2025. Then, he bounced to the Baltimore Ravens and the Chicago Bears last season. Now the Bills, after signing him in free agency earlier this year, are sending him packing. That’s five landing spots in less than two years, and that’s just… a lot. It tells you something when even the Eagles, who could actually use some safety help, are probably thinking, “Nah, we’re good.” They’ve moved on from him twice before, so it’s clear his welcome wears out fast. Who wants that kind of locker room drama and inconsistent play?
So, what’s next for CJGJ? Who’s gonna take a flyer on a guy with a reputation for on-field antics and a missed tackle rate that’s basically an NFL record for all the wrong reasons? It’s a tough look. Meanwhile, back here in the Emerald City, our Seahawks just dropped a tough one to the Chicago Bears, 34-17. Ugh. Gotta clean that up, fellas. Different story, same need for consistency. We’ll be watching to see where Gardner-Johnson lands next, if anywhere. But for now, that 25.7% rate is the headline.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleeding Green Nation.
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