By Sachin Shankar Yadav 
Three games into the 2025 season, veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson was cut by the Houston Texans, shocking the NFL community. Gardner-Johnson joined the Texans with high expectations and was considered a key component of Houston’s redesigned secondary, so this abrupt move was unexpected.
Internal conflict between Gardner-Johnson and the Texans’ management reportedly led to his departure. According to reports, he was not happy with the way the coaching staff was using him on the field, especially since he was playing a more conservative defensive role that prevented him from blitzing and playing aggressively. His relationship with the team was further strained when Gardner-Johnson expressed his dissatisfaction and even asked for a trade before being released.
The decision to cut Gardner-Johnson is notable not just for its timing—with the team having yet to find a win in the new season—but also for what it might mean for the Texans’ locker room dynamics and rebuilding plans. The departure of a well-known veteran may indicate more serious problems within the team or a renewed determination by management to establish a particular team culture going forward.
Even though Gardner-Johnson’s time in Houston ended abruptly, other NFL teams hoping to add seasoned talent to their secondary are likely to be interested in him because of his defensive back versatility and track record. Early in the 2025 NFL season, his departure is still one of the most talked-about roster decisions.