The Dallas Cowboys could arguably use another defensive addition after not making a move at the NFL trade deadline. Bleacher Report’s Moe Morton had a potential idea before Week 10.
On Thursday, Morton named the Cowboys one of the best fits for Gardner-Johnson to end this season.
“Teams interested in Gardner-Johnson should view him as a short-term rental, though he’s a chess-piece defender who can do a little bit of everything on the back end…” wrote Morton. “The Dallas Cowboys need help for their 25th-ranked scoring defense.”
Gardner-Johnson was most recently with the Buffalo Bills this season.
Why C.J. Gardner-Johnson Could Fit With Cowboys
Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson can’t find a permanent NFL home. The veteran hasn’t played for one team in back-to-back seasons in five years.
That’s not the best sign. But what it does is make him available for the 2026 stretch run for the Cowboys.
As Morton noted, Dallas could be in the market for defensive additions because of the unit’s poor rankings.
Despite the investments the Cowboys made in their defense, the unit has allowed the third-most yards in the league this season. They are also 18th in passing yards and 31st in run defense.
Gardner-Johnson is probably best in coverage, but he could potentially help Dallas against the run. The defensive back has the versatility to play all over the secondary.
“He brings tremendous value to a secondary with his versatility,” wrote Morton. “The eight-year pro has played a significant number of snaps in center field as a deep safety, in the box and in the slot, logging 396 tackles (27 for loss), 57 pass breakups, 21 interceptions and seven sacks.”
Bills Released Gardner-Johnson
The veteran defensive back has been involved in trash-talking incidents throughout his career. This season with the Bills, Gardner-Johnson received an ejection over spitting toward Las Vegas Raiders‘ Tyler Linderbaum and Brock Bowers.
For the spitting altercation, Gardner-Johnson also received a 1-game suspension.
The Bills didn’t immediately release the safety after the incident, which was October 18. Buffalo released Gardner-Johnson on November 3.
One potential reason why the Cowboys won’t or perhaps haven’t yet added Gardner-Johnson is that questionable temperament.
Since leaving the New Orleans Saints after three seasons from 2019-21, Gardner-Johnson has played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans and Chicago Bears in addition to the Bills. Over the past two years, the safety hasn’t even spent one year with a single team.
Desperate times call for desperate measures. Perhaps the Cowboys could view what Gardner-Johnson brings to the table worth the risk for the rest of 2026.
Gardner-Johnson has 21 interceptions in 93 career NFL games. He was tied for the league-lead with six interceptions during 2022.
Dallas could use a potential boost on defense immediately. The Cowboys have a tough road matchup Sunday against the 7-1 San Francisco 49ers.
But things appear to remain wide open in the NFC East. The Washington Commanders defeated the New York Giants on Thursday, which dropped the Giants to 5-3-1 this season. The Cowboys could pull closer to the Giants and move to the .500 mark at 5-5 with a victory over the 49ers.
Cowboys Urged to Add 21-INT DB Before 49ers Game