Bills release S C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who just served 1-game suspension for spitting at Brock Bowers

The Buffalo Bills announced that they are releasing veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

This was Gardner-Johnson's first season in Buffalo after spending last year with the Houston Texans and the Chicago Bears.

The safety played in six games for Buffalo. He tallied 26 combined tackles and one interception, which he returned for 41 yards.

Gardner-Johnson missed last week's game against Baltimore. He served a one-game suspension for spitting at Brock Bowers during the Bills' Week 6 win over the Las Vegas Raiders.

After his ejection, he posted an apology to his Instagram story .

"I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization, and everyone who supports me. "My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed. The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game. "There is not excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability. No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard. "To my opponent, I sincerely apologize. We compete hard between those lines, but respect should always remain at the forefront. "One moment does not define my character, but how I respond to that moment matters. I will learn from this, grow from it, and continue to lead with the integrity, passion, and respect that have carried me throughout my career. "I love this game, I respect this game, and I will always protect the integrity of this game. "My actions will speak louder than my words moving forward."

"I want to take a moment to address my actions and sincerely apologize to my opponent, my teammates, my organization, and everyone who supports me.

"My passion and competitive nature have always been a huge part of who I am, but I also understand that there is a line that should never be crossed. The gesture I made toward my opponent was inappropriate, unnecessary, and not a reflection of the respect I have for him or this game.

"There is not excuse for my actions, and I take full accountability. No matter how emotional or intense the competition gets, I have to hold myself to a higher standard.

"To my opponent, I sincerely apologize. We compete hard between those lines, but respect should always remain at the forefront.

"One moment does not define my character, but how I respond to that moment matters. I will learn from this, grow from it, and continue to lead with the integrity, passion, and respect that have carried me throughout my career.

"I love this game, I respect this game, and I will always protect the integrity of this game.

"My actions will speak louder than my words moving forward."

The 28-year-old is now subject to waivers, but if he clears them, he will be a free agent and eligible to sign with any team.

Gardner-Johnson has been in the league since 2019, when the New Orleans Saints selected him in the fourth round of that year's NFL Draft. The safety spent three years with New Orleans, then bounced around the league, stopping in Philadelphia, Detroit, Houston and Chicago before landing in Buffalo this season.

Over his eight-year career, he has played in 93 games and recorded 21 interceptions, 396 tackles and 7 sacks.