Overview

• Baltimore added the 27-year-old safety to its practice squad Tuesday, two weeks after Houston released him following three starts, a move Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said was his decision.
• Houston remains responsible for Gardner-Johnson’s fully guaranteed 2025 salary, keeping the financial impact minimal for the Ravens.
• The 1-4 Ravens are coming off a 44-10 loss to the Texans and have been hit by injuries to key defenders, including safety Kyle Hamilton and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Chidobe Awuzie, leading to two rookies starting at safety in Week 5.
• Gardner-Johnson brings proven playmaking with six interceptions in both 2022 and the Eagles’ 2024 Super Bowl season, along with 64 career starts and significant postseason experience.
• Reports out of Houston cited friction over his role and criticisms of teammates before his release, and in Baltimore his arrival could free a healthy Hamilton to play closer to the line of scrimmage.