CJ Gardner-Johnson’s release from the Houston Texans has shocked many in the NFL world. Just three games into the regular season, the team decided to cut a player they had counted on to boost their shaky secondary. The Texans thought they were adding a high-energy playmaker; instead, they got a player who struggled to fit their defensive scheme and locker room culture.

While the Texans moved on quickly, a question lingered: could Gardner-Johnson find a place back with the Philadelphia Eagles? But HC Nick Sirianni quickly shut down any hopes of a potential reunion. When asked about bringing the safety back, Sirianni praised the current group instead.

“I’m really excited about the room that we have. I think they’ve done a really nice job to date. Got a good young player in Andrew Makuba who continues to get better. I think that having Reed next to him is helping him get better. And just as how Reed got better having Marcus Epps in the building,” Sirianni said. 

“And Reed said that I’ve said that here before about Marcus Epps. So, I’m just really excited about that room. Sydney’s doing a really good job, you know, doing a good job on special teams and doing some work on defense as well. So, I’m really excited about that group and pleased with that group,” the head coach added.

He made it clear that the door is closed on CJ Gardner-Johnson’s return. The HC is confident this current defense can improve by building on what they have, not by reopening past chapters.

Though Gardner-Johnson’s journey with the Eagles supports why a reunion would make sense. CJ made a real impact for the Eagles, snagging six interceptions in both 2022 and 2024 while helping Philly reach the Super Bowl twice.

In 2022, he racked up 67 tackles. After a 2023 season derailed by injuries that limited him to just three games with Detroit, he bounced back strong in 2024.

Johnson fit the Eagles’ culture and scheme perfectly back then. But according to Sirianni, their current safeties are hitting those same marks. Bringing Gardner-Johnson back would need a major shift, and that doesn’t seem to be on the table.

So, now Gardner-Johnson is fresh on the market after a shocking cut from the Texans on September 23. And here’s how he is handling the cut.

CJ Gardner-Johnson responds to Texans’ release

The Texans’ decision to cut Gardner-Johnson came without warning. They had traded for him in the offseason, hoping he’d be the spark their defense needed. Instead, they let him go just a few games into the season.

After the release, he posted on his IG story, “And He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. -Luke 18:1.” The reason for his release is reportedly his outspoken nature and on-field mistakes, which caused friction in Houston.

He wasn’t shy about blasting teammates or comparing the Texans to his old Eagles squad. His frustration showed with a blitz-hungry attitude and trade demands. According to KPRC’s Aaron Wilson, among other issues, one of them was, “criticism of teammates in the secondary, including the size of one player’s contract, complaints about his role, including a desire to blitz more frequently, and a trade request along with him making frequent comparisons to what he was accustomed to with the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl championship squad.”

ESPN’s DJ Bein-Aime reported CJ Gardner-Johnson missed key coverage assignments that led to touchdowns. “At minimum, according to team sources, Gardner-Johnson has allowed three big plays in those games that have contributed to the opposing offense scoring touchdowns.”

Gardner-Johnson’s 96% snap share and 15 tackles, including 11 solo, show he was on the field and involved. But that wasn’t enough to halt the defense’s decline. Now, the question is: which team will take a chance on his fiery style without risking locker room unrest?