Overview

• The move comes weeks after Houston converted $6.58 million of his salary into a signing bonus, resulting in roughly a $5.66 million dead-money hit for 2025.
• Gardner-Johnson started the first three games, logged 15 tackles and had no interceptions before Tuesday’s decision.
• Team insider reports say he criticized secondary teammates, was unhappy with usage, wanted to blitz more and had communicated a trade request.
• Calen Bullock is expected to remain a starter with M.J. Stewart stepping up, while Jimmie Ward has been reinstated and is eligible to return after Week 4 as he comes off PUP.
• Houston acquired Gardner-Johnson from the Eagles in March in a deal involving guard Kenyon Green and a late-round pick swap, and he is now a free agent.