The Ravens have been decimated in the secondary. Still, reinforcements are on the way, as former Eagles and Texans defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson is signing with the Ravens’ practice squad pending a physical.
Free-agent safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is signing with Ravens practice squad, per his agent Kevin Conner of @unisportsmgmt.
Gardner-Johnson still gets his fully guaranteed 2025 salary with the Texans so there is little financial impact for the Ravens. pic.twitter.com/InJnQ6c2wi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2025
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.
Among the issues #Texans experienced behind the scenes with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, per sources, he was critical of teammates in the secondary and didn’t like his role. It was a locker room issue and ultimately this just wasn’t a good fit for the team and for a talented… https://t.co/tHhsv9Ur7v
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) September 23, 2025
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.
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.
With the news now official, we’re examining instant analysis and key takeaways from the deal.
Gardner-Johnson is accomplished
Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions in 2024 with Philadelphia, but had none through three games this season. Gardner-Johnson joined the Eagles via trade in 2022 and logged six interceptions in just 12 games en route to his first Super Bowl appearance. Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions last season while helping the Eagles win the Lombardi Trophy.
Gardner-Johnson can help Kyle Hamilton be normal
Gardner-Johnson will also allow the Ravens to move Kyle Hamilton, when he’s healthy, closer to the line of scrimmage and closer to the ball, where Baltimore badly needs his play-making skills. Ravens aren’t stopping the run or disrupting the QB. Hamilton can help in both areas https://t.co/MWF0xaI28g
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 7, 2025
Baltimore likes to play a three-safety look, and Gardner-Johnson’s arrival takes some pressure off rookie Malaki Starks, while allowing Kyle Hamilton to play closer to the line of scrimmage.
With Kyle Hamilton out Sunday w/groin injury, the Ravens played undrafted rookie Reuben Lowery 70 snaps at safety alongside another rookie, Malaki Starks. Hamilton’s status for Sunday is uncertain. Gardner-Johnson gives them another option. https://t.co/3wWqShGeX4
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 7, 2025
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Takeaways from C.J. Gardner-Johnson joining the Ravens’ practice squad
