The Houston Texans' choice to release C.J. Gardner-Johnson took many by surprise. After all, he's a proven veteran safety and Super Bowl champion, plus the team just traded for him roughly six months ago. However, the tea leaves suggest that it was only a matter of time before the two sides went their separate ways.
Recent intel from two of the most tapped-in Texans reporters details a fractured relationship between Gardner-Johnson, his teammates and the organization. He ostensibly alienated himself from the group due to frustration over defensive responsbilities (or lack thereof) while being hard on Houston's other defensive backs.