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Texans Release C.J. Gardner-Johnson Three Games Into Season

Reports cite locker-room friction tied to a role dispute as the reason for the early cut.

Former Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson arrives for practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Friday, July 25.
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Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (8) celebrates after winning Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images/File photo

Overview

  • Houston cut the veteran safety after he started the first three games, logging 15 tackles and playing the vast majority of defensive snaps.
  • Beat reporting indicates he criticized secondary teammates, was unhappy with his usage — wanting to blitz more — and issued a trade request before the move.
  • A recent contract conversion now leaves the Texans with about $5.66 million in 2025 dead money after they turned $6.58 million of his pay into a signing bonus.
  • Houston acquired Gardner-Johnson in March from the Eagles for guard Kenyon Green and a 2026 late-round pick swap; neither player remains with his new team.
  • The Texans plan to lean on M.J. Stewart alongside Calen Bullock, with Jimmie Ward reinstated and on PUP as he works back to eligibility after Week 4; Gardner-Johnson enters free agency and is expected to draw interest, per reports.