After the Baltimore Ravens acquired safety Alohi Gilman from the Los Angeles Chargers last week, veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson felt it was time for a change.
Gardner-Johnson’s agent Kevin Conner told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Tuesday that he and the Ravens came to “an amicable mutual decision” for Gardner-Johnson to be released.
“After the Ravens traded for a safety, we were looking for a clearer path to play,” Conner said.
The Ravens sent pass rusher Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round draft pick to the Chargers to acquire Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round pick on Tuesday. That same day, Gardner-Johnson had signed to Baltimore’s practice squad. Gilman was active for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams and produced seven tackles in a 17-3 loss, while Gardner-Johnson wasn’t called up to the main roster.
Gardner-Johnson began the 2025 season with the Houston Texans and recorded 15 tackles in three games before being released. Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston reported that there was “friction behind the scenes with him complaining about his role, wanting to blitz more, per league sources, and even communicating that he wanted to be traded.”
After signing with the Ravens, Gardner-Johnson told Sam Jane of the Baltimore Sun that they were his “only option.” Jane added that the 27-year-old was “very active” in talking with his new teammates and seemed to be “making a good first impression.”
Now, Gardner-Johnson will have to try to win over a new organization. The seven-year veteran won his first career Super Bowl title with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, so he will bring championship experience to any team that takes a chance on him now that he’s back on the open market.
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