C.J. Gardner-Johnson arrived in Houston in March via a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, bringing a Super Bowl-winning safety to the Texans as the franchise aimed for its own Lombardi Trophy in 2025. The Texans, now 0-3 as of late September, decided to cut ties with Gardner-Johnson on Tuesday.
Houston released the veteran safety, according to multiple reports, ending a brief and reportedly tumultuous stint with the Texans. According to KPRC 2's Aaron Wilson, Gardner-Johnson and the Texans faced "friction" in recent weeks, with the safety expressing frustration over his personal role and the Texans' blitz-averse scheme.