The Detroit Lions made a big move to boost their secondary in 2023 when they signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, whose physical play seemed a perfect fit for Dan Campbell.
But Gardner-Johnson never brought the expected impact in Detroit, missing most of that season with an injury and leaving the following offseason. He is now looking for another NFL home after being abruptly released on Tuesday.
Texans Cut Ties With Former Lions Safety
The Philadelphia Eagles traded Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans this offseason and he started the first three games of the season, but the Texans released him on Tuesday in a surprise move. Gardner-Johnson had 15 total tackles and allowed six catches so far this season as the Texans dropped to 0-3, but the team is shaking things up on defense and parted ways with their veteran safety.
As Kevin Patra of NFL.com noted, it was not immediately clear why the Texans would cut the veteran safety loose so early into the season.
“Heralded for his physical play, Gardner-Johnson’s boisterous nature has led him to become a nomad,” Patra wrote. After three seasons in New Orleans, he spent a season with Philly, one with Detroit, then went back to the Eagles for their Super Bowl run. The trash-talker didn’t make it out of September before Houston moved on. It’s unclear what the impetus is behind the early-season release.”
While there are many teams with needs at safety, it’s not clear where Gardner-Johnson could head next. He gained a reputation as a physical player but also one who could be hot-headed, which was seen during his time with the Lions.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s Tumultuous Tenure in Detroit
Gardner-Johnson was hurt early in his tenure with the Lions and missed the majority of the 2023 season, then was plagued by mistakes after his return. He was flagged for a costly penalty in the team’s NFC Championship game loss to the San Francisco 49ers, drawing a 15-yard penalty for a blindside block on wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
The Lions continued to make upgrades to their secondary after Gardner-Johnson’s departure the next offseason and today have one of the top-rated safety tandems in Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, who both had the chance to grow after Gardner-Johnson left.
Pro Football Focus analyst Zoltán Buday rated Branch and Joseph as the best pairing in the NFL, noting that Branch showed some big early promise.
“Following a very impressive rookie season, Branch further improved in his second year and established himself as one of the best safeties in the league,” Buday wrote. “His 90.8 PFF run-defense grade ranked first at the position, while his 88.0 PFF pass-rushing grade placed second. His 11 pass breakups were the most by any safety last season.”
Buday added that Joseph also made a big leap in 2024.
Following two somewhat disappointing seasons to open his NFL account, Joseph enjoyed a breakout year in 2024, earning a position-leading 91.1 PFF coverage grade,” Buday wrote. “He recorded eight interceptions, tying for the most in the league, and only 60.7% of passes into his coverage were completed (eighth best).”
Ex-Lions Safety Abruptly Released By AFC Team in Surprise Move