Seven overlooked free-agent signings that could pay serious dividends in 2026 NFL season

CONTRACT: One year, $6 million. 

It is not a coincidence that teams employing CJGJ have tended to improve drastically on defense upon his arrival. The eighth-year pro is an aggressive ballhawk with a nasty temperament and an enforcer’s mentality who continually elevates those around him. A fourth-round pick in 2019, Gardner-Johnson has posted 20 interceptions in 87 games, including 18 over the last five seasons. He, along with several veteran mercenaries (edge Bradley Chubb and cornerback Dee Alford), were acquired to help coordinator Jim Leonhard revamp the team’s defensive approach and push the Bills closer to the Super Bowl under new head coach Joe Brady. It’s true that Gardner-Johnson is coming off a down season, in which he was released by the Texans and signed with the Bears, logging just four passed defensed in 10 appearances for Chicago while recording the worst Pro Football Focus grade of his career. Still, the loquacious safety should add some edginess to a unit that needs to play with more energy and urgency.