Report: Texans release Gardner-Johnson after 3 games
The Houston Texans are releasing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
The reported split comes after the Texans acquired Gardner-Johnson from the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. Playing 96% of Houston's defensive snaps, he recorded 15 tackles and one quarterback hit through three games.
However, Gardner-Johnson and the Texans had issues behind the scenes, sources told KPRC 2 Houston's Aaron Wilson. The 27-year-old was reportedly frustrated with his role on the defense and critical of teammates, causing problems in the locker room.
Gardner-Johnson requested a trade from the Texans, but the club released him instead, per Wilson. The Texans converted $6.58 million of Gardner-Johnson's salary into a signing bonus just three weeks ago, and he was under contract through the 2026 season.
The Florida product was drafted in the fourth round in 2019 by the New Orleans Saints. Gardner-Johnson played in two Super Bowls with the Philadelphia Eagles and served as a crucial part of their defense in 2024 before getting traded.
Houston, off to a 0-3 start, will face off against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4.