C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s brief stint with the Baltimore Ravens has officially come to an end.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Ravens have released the veteran defensive back just a week after adding him to their practice squad. Gardner-Johnson’s agent, Kevin Conner, described the move as a “mutual and amicable decision,” emphasizing that his client was seeking a clearer opportunity to play elsewhere.
“After Baltimore acquired another safety, it made sense to explore new opportunities where C.J. could see the field sooner,” Conner explained.
The decision comes shortly after Baltimore completed a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers, sending linebacker Odafe Oweh and a 2027 seventh-round pick in exchange for safety Alohi Gilman and a 2026 fifth-round selection.
Now back on the open market, Gardner-Johnson will be searching for his fourth team this season. The ball-hawking safety, who led the NFL in interceptions in 2022, was a major contributor for the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in February.
Earlier this year, the Eagles dealt Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Houston Texans in return for offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Although he started the first three games in Houston, his time there ended abruptly amid reports of internal conflict within the organization.
Before his return to Philadelphia last season, Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions in 2023. His time in Detroit was marred by injury, as a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks landed him on injured reserve. He made his return in the regular-season finale versus the Minnesota Vikings, where he recorded an interception in limited action.
During his short tenure with Detroit, Gardner-Johnson tallied 17 total tackles (16 solo), three pass breakups, and one interception across three games, two of which he started.
With his release from Baltimore, Gardner-Johnson now enters free agency once again — hoping to find stability and another opportunity to prove his value to an NFL defense.
