Super Bowl winner released again after lasting | NFL News

CJ Gardner-Johnson has been released from the Baltimore Ravens’ observe squad just a week after being signed, following his initial departure from the Houston Texans. It’s been a tumultuous yr for Gardner-Johnson, who celebrated a Super Bowl victory with the Philadelphia Eagles in February. The 27-year-old then discovered himself at odds with Taylor Swift’s followers, before being traded to the Texans shortly afterwards.

In exchange for Gardner-Johnson, Houston despatched guard Kenyon Green and a 2025 fifth-round draft decide. The security performed in the first three video games of the season but was let go on September 23, picked up by the Ravens on October 7, and is now a free agent.

According to Gardner-Johnson’s consultant, Kevin Conner, his release from the Ravens was “an amicable mutual decision.” Conner told ESPN: “After the Ravens traded for a safety, we were looking for a clearer path to play.”

Gardner-Johnson’s prospects of enjoying for Baltimore diminished on the day he joined the observe squad. The Ravens acquired security Alohi Gilman in a commerce with the Los Angeles Chargers, and he began in Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

While Gilman began, Gardner-Johnson was not promoted, and the security is now in search of his fourth NFL crew this yr. The Texans had hoped Gardner-Johnson would bolster their secondary when they traded for him earlier this yr, but the transfer did not pan out as anticipated.

Gardner-Johnson, who had six interceptions last season and was a essential half of the championship-winning Eagles roster, struggled to adapt to DeMeco Ryans’ fashion, main to Houston’s 0-3 start to the season.

Following Gardner-Johnson’s departure, the Texans managed to shut out the Tennessee Titans with a 26-0 victory and triumphed over the Ravens 44-10 on Sunday. Ryans did not make clear why Gardner-Johnson was let go, but conceded that communication within the secondary was missing.

“It hasn’t been great,” Ryans admitted. “When you see a big play that happens on our defence, somewhere along the lines, there’s a bust in communication.

“It all begins with communication, and it hasn’t been as crisp as it wants to be. We see that. We have to make some changes there to make sure we get it corrected.”

Gardner-Johnson is now awaiting his next alternative, with rumours suggesting a potential return to the Eagles. Andrew Mubuka and Reed Blankenship have not carried out as properly this season, and Gardner-Johnson is already acquainted with Philadelphia’s system.

The Eagles signed Gardner-Johnson to a three-year, £27 million contract, including £10 million assured, in March 2024. When the Texans acquired him this past offseason, they took on the remaining contract.

Upon releasing Gardner-Johnson in September, Houston was obliged to pay his contract in full. Gardner-Johnson could need to signal a funds deal to secure a spot on another roster this season.