The Houston Texans dropped their third consecutive game with a 17-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The defeat leaves Houston 0-3 for the first time in head coach DeMeco Ryans’ three seasons, putting the team in an early hole in the AFC South.

Adding more drama to this, the Texans made a surprising roster move by releasing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, just one day after Jimmie Ward was removed from the exempt list. NFL insider Ian Rapoport first reported the news on X: “The #Texans are releasing S C.J. Gardner-Johnson. A surprise.” Aaron Wilson added more context, revealing that the move stemmed from friction behind the scenes. C.J. Gardner-Johnson had expressed frustration with his role, reportedly wanting to blitz more and even asking for a trade.

Ultimately, things didn’t work out in Houston, and the team is expected to turn to M.J. Stewart as the next man up at safety. Stewart is expected to step into the role despite making only 10 career starts across eight NFL seasons—including just one over the past four years. CJ Gardner-Johnson’s release didn’t come down to playing time. The 27-year-old was on the field for 96% of Houston’s defensive snaps through the first three games, including 65 of 70 in Week 3. Clearly, his workload wasn’t the issue. What makes the move even more surprising is the financial context.

Just weeks ago, the Texans converted $6.58 million of his salary into a signing bonus—a decision that suggested he was part of their long-term plans. Instead, the relationship unraveled quickly. Houston had acquired Gardner-Johnson back in March from the Eagles in exchange for guard Kenyon Green and a late-round 2026 pick swap. He started all three games for the 0-3 Texans. Totaling 15 tackles and giving up six receptions on eight targets, per Pro Football Focus.

Now hitting free agency, CJ Gardner-Johnson is free to sign with any team. Moving on to his fourth new team since 2023. But his big personality continues to follow him. That was flagged as a concern in Philadelphia before his trade, though Eagles GM Howie Roseman publicly framed his exit as a money matter. As for a reunion with the Eagles, that’s off the table. Meanwhile, what about Houston’s defense, though?

Gardner-Johnson’s exit exposes Texans’ secondary concerns

Houston’s defensive line has been a bright spot to open the season, with edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. already building a case for Defensive Player of the Year. But on the back end, things look far less stable—and the release of C.J. Gardner-Johnson only adds to the turbulence inside NRG Stadium.

While CJ Gardner-Johnson produced on the field, his presence came with complications. Beyond ongoing injury concerns, he also drew attention for a tense exchange with Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield after Houston’s Week 2 loss. By Week 3, the front office decided he had become more of a distraction than a difference-maker.

The timing of the release makes the move sting even more, given Houston’s current depth chart. With rookie Jaylen Reed on injured reserve, the Texans are left with just three healthy safeties. Meanwhile, Jalen Pitre, who previously started at safety, has been used as the team’s nickelback. Statistically, the secondary hasn’t been a disaster. Allowing 206.7 passing yards per game through three contests, good for the top half of the league.

But context matters: much of that success has been tied to negative game scripts, with Houston chasing points as one of just six winless teams entering Week 4.