In a surprising move, the Houston Texans have released veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, just one day after fellow safety Jimmie Ward was reinstated from the exempt list.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, the decision stemmed from disagreements between Gardner-Johnson and the team regarding his role. He reportedly sought more opportunities to blitz and be more active near the line of scrimmage.
Gardner-Johnson’s tenure with the Texans was remarkably brief. He was acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles this spring in a trade that sent offensive guard Kenyon Green to Philadelphia and involved a swap of 2026 sixth-round draft picks.
The release marks another chapter in the volatile career of the outspoken defensive back. Gardner-Johnson’s first stint with the Eagles in 2022 was highly successful, as he recorded a league-leading six interceptions in just 12 games while helping the team reach Super Bowl LVII. After spending the 2023 season with the Detroit Lions, he re-signed with Philadelphia this past offseason before being promptly traded to Houston.
Known for his candid nature, Gardner-Johnson previously commented on his departure from the Eagles on “The Pivot” podcast, suggesting the team was “scared of a competitor.” He added, “You can’t program a dawg.”
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