CJ Gardner-Johnson released by Texans: Insider reveals what led to split: ‘Complaints about his role…’

Texans released safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson ahead of Week 4; new details emerge on what led to the veteran’s departure from the team.

Updated on: Sep 24, 2025, 01:44:12 IST

By Shamik Banerjee

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Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was released by the franchise as they go into Week 4, NFL Insider Ian Rappaport reported on Tuesday. Amid his departure, it has been revealed what led to the split between the veteran safety and the team's management.

Former Houston Texans safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson arrives for practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Friday, July 25. (AP)

Aaron Wilson, the Houston Texans beat reporter for NBC affiliate KPRC2, reported that CJ Gardner-Johnson communicated to the team that he wants to be traded after friction between him and the team management reached the boiling point.

Wilson reported, citing league sources, that Gardner-Johnson was unhappy with his role in the team. He was complaining about not being able to blitz enough in Texans head coach DeMeco Ryan's system.

Gardner-Johnson's trade was a surprise to many Texans fans, as he was acquired by the franchise just this off-season in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles. In exchange, the Eagles received Kenyon Green and swapped a 2026 fifth-round draft pick for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick.

Gardner-Johnson is going out after starting all three regular-season games for Houston. He managed just 15 tackles, with the incompatibility with the team visible amid the Texans' defensive struggles.

Also read: Rudi Johnson dies at 45: What was ex-NFL star's cause of death? All about his ‘CTE diagnose’

Could the Philadelphia Eagles re-sign CJ Gardner-Johnson?

With CJ Gardner-Johnson in the market for a new franchise, and the Eagles in need of reinforcement in defense as they look to retain the Super Bowl, it could have been a perfect marriage. But what comes in the way is an NFL rule that puts some restrictions on the reacquisition of a traded player.

NFL rules specify that a traded player needs to play at least four games for the traded club to become eligible for a return to his previous team. According to reports, the Eagles are not eligible to take in CJGJ as he played only three regular-season games for the Texans.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shamik Banerjee
Shamik is a journalist covering the United States for Hindustan Times. He has more than four years of experience reporting on US politics, sports, and major breaking stories across fast-moving cycles. He previously worked at Times Now and Sportskeeda, building strong newsroom instincts and digital storytelling skills. At HT.com, he focuses on day-to-day coverage of US political developments while also handling high-impact stories that demand speed, accuracy, clarity, and context under pressure. Shamik has extensive experience covering NFL game days over the past two years, coordinating live updates, analysis, and explainers. He is particularly drawn to large news moments such as US elections and the Super Bowl, where he thrives at the news desk working alongside the team. He holds degrees in Media Studies from Jamia Millia Islamia and English Literature from Jadavpur University. Before entering journalism, he briefly worked in digital marketing and political consultancy roles. Currently a Senior Content Producer at HT Digital, he is driven by curiosity, discipline, and a constant desire to explore new and obscure topics. Outside work, he enjoys reading, films, sports, and learning continuously.Read More

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