Former Super Bowl champion CJ Gardner-Johnson has joined a new team roughly two weeks after being released by the Houston Texans.
Gardner-Johnson is signing with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad. The move is likely a prelude to him being moved to the active roster going forward.
Free-agent safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is signing with Ravens practice squad, per his agent Kevin Conner of @unisportsmgmt.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2025
Gardner-Johnson still gets his fully guaranteed 2025 salary with the Texans so there is little financial impact for the Ravens. pic.twitter.com/InJnQ6c2wi
The Ravens are in desperate need of defensive help, as the unit is struggling and dealing with a lot of injuries. From that perspective, Gardner-Johnson makes plenty of sense. It also might be a good culture for the veteran safety, as the Ravens are used to maintaining high standards as a consistent contender.
Gardner-Johnson was shockingly released by the Texans prior to Week 4, despite the fact that he was acquired in the offseason to play as a starter in their secondary. It was indicated that the veteran safety clashed with the locker room and that his outspoken nature was not a good fit.
The Philadelphia Eagles traded Gardner-Johnson during the offseason despite him being a key part of their Super Bowl win. The veteran defensive back is known to use pretty much everything as motivational fuel, which can wear on people in the wrong environment.
