Houston, September 23, 2025 – The Houston Texans’ turbulent start to the NFL season has taken another dramatic turn, as the team is reportedly parting ways with safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Multiple outlets confirmed on Tuesday that the Texans will release the 27-year-old veteran, who joined the franchise only months ago.
According to local reports from Houston’s KPRC 2, Gardner-Johnson’s departure stems from mounting locker room tension. The safety is said to have openly criticized teammates, voiced dissatisfaction with his role in the defense, and even submitted a trade request before the decision was made to release him.
Gardner-Johnson had been a prominent figure on the field, playing 96 percent of Houston’s defensive snaps this season. In the Texans’ winless 0-3 start, he registered 15 tackles and a quarterback hit, but his off-field frustrations appear to have outweighed his on-field contributions.
The Texans acquired Gardner-Johnson in March in a high-profile trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, sending offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a 2026 draft pick swap the other way. The move was initially hailed as a major boost for Houston’s secondary, given Gardner-Johnson’s pedigree as a proven playmaker.
The safety’s résumé speaks for itself. A Super Bowl LIX champion with the Eagles earlier this year, Gardner-Johnson has built a strong reputation across his career, tallying 18 interceptions, 51 passes defensed, four sacks, and 319 tackles in 77 games (44 starts) across four NFL teams.
His unexpected exit highlights the ongoing struggles of a Texans team desperate to find stability and momentum after yet another shaky start. While the franchise looks for answers on the field, Gardner-Johnson’s departure underscores the challenges of building team cohesion in a rebuilding locker room.
Where the veteran safety lands next remains to be seen, but with his championship experience and proven defensive skillset, Gardner-Johnson is unlikely to stay on the market for long.
