The Kansas City Chiefs have reason for a healthy level of concern regarding the Buffalo Bills and what appears to be a strong offseason. The Bills wasted no time improving quarterback Josh Allen's arsenal, acquiring star receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears while making some strong free-agent signings.
There's also a signing that might be flying under the radar.
After all, the Bills also added safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The veteran defender made an impact in a short time with the Chicago Bears last season, registering four pass break-ups, three sacks, two interceptions, and a forced fumble in only 10 games (three starts). And that was after joining the Bears mid-season.
Gardner-Johnson is known for his ability to make plays in the defensive backfield and help set the tone with his emotional play style. Now that he's with the Bills on a team-friendly deal, the Chiefs have good reason to be jealous.
Chiefs Won't Be Thrilled About C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Bills
Kansas City has seen firsthand the impact that Gardner-Johnson can have in the right situation. He was a part of the Philadelphia Eagles' 40-22 Super Bowl 59 victory over the Chiefs, helping set the tone and take away any options for Patrick Mahomes.
His skill set is now joining the Bills, who are looking to get over the postseason hump, and a big piece of this is slaying the dragon that is Mahomes and the Chiefs.
In Allen's career, he's 0-4 against the Chiefs in the postseason, with a big reason being that Kansas City has had more reliable defenses. Gardner-Johnson's joining Buffalo could change that.
Conversely, the Chiefs' secondary has lost Bryan Cook, Jaylen Watson, and Trent McDuffie since the offseason began. Although they've since signed Kader Kohou and Alohi Gilman, more additions are needed.
No longer is Buffalo's secondary a clear weakness that Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense can exploit, as they also signed defensive backs Dee Alford and Geno Stone. Along with the duo, Gardner-Johnson's presence adds a new layer to the rivalry, and he'll be motivated to make Mahomes & Co.'s life that much harder whenever the teams meet.
For Gardner-Johnson, it is another chance to haunt the Chiefs, a team that the safety has previously trolled — specifically, tight end Travis Kelce. Gardner-Johnson's deal is a clear bargain as well, at just $3.5 million for one season. It's a contract that could've easily been afforded by the Chiefs, furthering any potential feelings of jealousy.
That's why, with the Bills being a 2026 road opponent, the Chiefs must send Gardner-Johnson a message when the two AFC powerhouses meet. That would go a long way to turning what seems like an under-the-radar signing into something that barely moves the needle in the Super Bowl picture.