C.J. Gardner-Johnson has found a new home.
The former Houston Texans starting defensive back is expected to sign with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad, according to multiple reports on Tuesday. ESPN’s Adam Schefter was first to report the news of the 27-year-old’s next career move.
Garnder-Johnson, who was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Texans this offseason, was released after three games because of locker room issues and other tidbits. Since his departure, the Texans’ defense has forced four turnovers and allowed 10 points in back-to-back winning performances.
Attitude was reportedly one issue for the Texans, but his on-field struggles to fit in DeMeco Ryans’ defense also cost him playing time. During Houston’s Week 3 17-10 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars, a miscommunication with the other defensive backs allowed Pro Bowl wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. to secure a 46-yard gain to set up the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
“Took a shot on goal, didn’t work out,” Texans general manager Nick Caserio said of the trade Tuesday. “Move on and let’s focus on the rest of the team and the players that are here. There’s really nothing more to it. I’m not trying to oversimplify it, but that’s the reality of the situation. Certainly wish him well, he was good to work with. In the end, that’s the decision that we made and we moved ahead.”
While Gardner-Johnson could be elevated to the active roster, he’ll begin the season on the practice squad, along with former Texans offensive lineman and trade chip Kenyon Green. The Texans are coming off a 44-10 victory over the Ravens, subdoing them to a 1-4 start without Lamar Jackson.
Over his three games, Gardner-Johnson recorded 23 tackles and zero interceptions. A selling point for the Texans to add him was his ability to win in coverage and create turnovers and totaling 11 in two seasons with the Eagles.
“If there’s something there that makes sense, great. If there’s not, then we figure out what the best course of action is,” Caserio told reporters on Tuesday of the trade.
A 2-3, the Texans hit the bye week. They’ll return for Monday Night Football next week on the road agianst the Seattle Seahawks.
This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Former Texans DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson finds new home with team Houston dismantled
Reporting by Cole Thompson, Texans Wire / Texans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
