Overview
- Tom Pelissero first reported the agreement, and Adam Schefter confirmed the one-year, up-to-$6 million contract via agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown.
- The move continues Buffalo’s defensive overhaul following the trade of Taron Johnson, the release of Taylor Rapp, and additions such as cornerback Dee Alford and pass rusher Bradley Chubb.
- Analysts project Gardner-Johnson to play a flexible role in Leonhard’s scheme, with some outlets expecting him to start at strong safety alongside Cole Bishop.
- The 28-year-old was released by the Texans after three games in 2025, then logged 51 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions in 10 regular-season games with the Bears.
- At his introductory availability Friday, Gardner-Johnson said he is unconcerned about outside perceptions of him as a teammate, a topic raised after Texans coach DeMeco Ryans previously cited a fit issue in Houston.