In a move that can only be described as shocking, the Houston Texansreleased defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson one day after Jimmie Ward was reinstated from the exempt list.
During the spring, the Eagles traded Gardner-Johnson to the Texans along with a 2026 sixth-round pick for offensive guard Kenyon Green and Houston’s 2026 sixth-round pick. After one year in Detroit, Gardner-Johnson returned to the Philadelphia Eagles and won a Super Bowl while spearheading a swagger and physical defensive unit that was the NFL’s best. Gardner-Johnson says what’s on his mind, and that outspoken nature played a role in his trade to Houston.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, Gardner-Johnson and the Texans clashed about his role and ability to blitz and be more active near the line of scrimmage.
Gardner-Johnson joined the Eagles via trade in 2022 and logged six interceptions in just 12 games en route to a Super Bowl appearance. Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions last season while helping the Eagles win the Lombardi Trophy. On Wednesday, head coach Nick Sirianni was asked about a potential return for the safety, and the coaches’ focus was on Andrew Mukuba and the talented safety group.
Nick Sirianni pointed to Andrew Mukuba’s growth when asked about his interest in potentially signing CJ Gardner-Johnson back: “I’m really excited about the room that we have. They’ve done a nice job to date.” #Eaglespic.twitter.com/LPVXy4ab8S
— EJ Smith (@EJSmith94) September 24, 2025
Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions in 2024 with Philadelphia, but had none through three games this season. According to the Houston Chronicle, Gardner-Johnson had responsibility for a miscommunication on one of the final plays in Sunday’s loss to Jacksonville, where quarterback Trevor Lawrence connected with Brian Thomas Jr. for a 46-yard gain with two minutes remaining, setting up the Jaguars’ game-winning score.
During an appearance on “The Pivot” podcast, Gardner-Johnson told Ryan Clark the Eagles didn’t move him for financial reasons — they moved him out of fear.
“Scared of a competitor,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Simple as that. … You can’t program a dawg.”
A starting safety as a rookie, Mukuba has eight tackles, one pass defended, one pick six, and a fumble recovery in three starts since being selected in the second round.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Nick Sirianni says he likes what Eagles have at safety position
