Texans Release C.J. Gardner-Johnson After Three Games

The Houston Texans released veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson on Sept. 23 after three games; he had played roughly 94–96% of defensive snaps and totaled 15 tackles. Multiple reports said the move was driven largely by off-field friction — complaints about his role, requests to blitz and be traded, and tense sideline and locker-room behavior — rather than purely on-field performance. Head coach DeMeco Ryans said the decision was his and denied attempting to trade Gardner-Johnson, while quarterback C.J. Stroud publicly defended him. The Texans are expected to look to M.J. Stewart or rookie Calen Bullock to help fill the void in their three-safety scheme. Reports indicated the Eagles showed little interest in a reunion, and the release prompted notable online reaction from Taylor Swift fans because of Gardner-Johnson’s earlier taunts.