Former Houston Texans defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s tenure with the Baltimore Ravens lasted shorter than his tenure at NRG Stadium.
Less than two weeks after signing the former Houston starter to their practice squad, the Ravens mutually agreed to release Gardner-Johnson on Tuesday ahead of their bye week. According to Gardner-Johnson’s agent, Kevin Conner, the former Texans defensive back and the Ravens came to “an amicable mutual decision” for Gardner-Johnson to be released after the team elected to trade for Los Angeles Chargers safety Alohi Gilman.
Gilman finished with seven tackles in his Ravens debut.
“After the Ravens traded for a safety, we were looking for a clearer path to play,” Conner told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
In three games with the Texans, Gardner-Johnson recorded 15 tackles and a pass breakup before being released. According to KRPC 2 Sports Aaron Wilson, there was “friction behind the scenes with him complaining about his role, wanting to blitz more, and even communicating that he wanted to be traded.”
A fourth-round pick in 2019, Gardner-Johnson has recorded 51 passes defensed and 18 interceptions in 77 career games. Last season, he totaled six interceptions while helping the Philadelphia Eagles win Super Bowl LIX.
Entering Week 7, the Ravens (1-5) rank dead-last in points allowed per game (32.3) and 29th in total yards allowed per contest (380.8).
The Texans return to the field on Monday Night out west in Seattle to take on the Seahawks.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans: C.J. Gardner-Johnson released one game after Ravens’ signing
