When the Buffalo Bills signed defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, it was a move that was not Bills-like in previous years. You could make the argument that in the Sean McDermott era, the Bills signing someone like Gardner-Johnson would have never happened (and it quite literally never did).
The Bills signed Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal on a prove-it deal and it's a solid signing. Gardner-Johnson is a player who brings intensity and him coming to Buffalo to play in Jim Leonhard's defensive scheme is a fantastic fit. Leonhard is all about bringing the intensity and Gardner-Johnson has established himself as a ballhawk player, who has had two seasons of six interceptions.
If Gardner-Johnson can stay healthy, it should be an easy win-win for both sides. Gardner-Johnson will get to potentially cash in next offseason with a strong 2026 and the Bills will get some of the best football that Gardner-Johnson can bring.
While there is a lot of excitement about this signing, not everyone think it's a top signing.
Bills signing C.J. Gardner-Johnson doesn't appear to impress Bleacher Report
Brent Sobleski from Bleacher Report graded some of the recent free agent signings and believe it or not, Sobleski gave the Bills just a B- for the signing of Gardner-Johnson. Now granted, this is not a bad grade but it certainly is lower than what Bills fans may have expected.
"Gardner-Johnson, 28, has logged half a dozen interceptions in a season twice, including leading the league in 2022. Capable of playing all over the secondary, Gardner-Johnson is a candidate to man the slot in Buffalo after Taron Johnson was traded to the Raiders earlier this week." said Sobleski.
While Gardner-Johnson may be able to help out at corner if needed, the Bills are better off using him as a safety next to Cole Bishop. That right there could be a ferocious backend of the defense. Let’s not forget, Bishop took a nice step forward when he learned from Jordan Poyer. Now, he can take those skills he learned and add the intensity from Gardner-Johnson, who is not afraid of any player in this league.
On a prove-it deal with the Bills, Gardner-Johnson has the chance to outplay his contract and the Bills should get the best version of him while he is still in his prime. Sobleski’s grade can be justified, but overall, there are so many factors that go into it. Overall, the signing of Gardner-Johnson should be atleast a B+ or I would even argue getting into the A- territory.