CJ Gardner-Johnson Claims Clash with ‘GM’s Friend’ Led to Surprise Texans Release

CJ Gardner-Johnson joined the Texans right after winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, but was released after playing just three games in 2025.

CJ Gardner-Johnson Claims Clash with ‘GM’s Friend’ Led to Surprise Texans Release

CJ Gardner-Johnson (Image via IMAGO)

It was starting to become boring without hearing much from CJ Gardner-Johnson. Not anymore, the NFL safety resurfaced under the limelight to shed light on his peculiar stint with the Houston Texans.

The Texans signed Gardner-Johnson a few days after he hit free agency. He was touted for a big role in the secondary. However, the Texans cut the 28-year-old corner after just three games.

CJGJ made some terrible mistakes leading to his release. He often played out of position, costing the Texans valuable touchdowns. After giving up a late score against the Jaguars, the Texans cut him from the team.

The development baffled everyone. CJGJ has a history of running his mouth, but trash-talking doesn’t lead to expulsion. So, what exactly happened? He spilled the juicy news in an exclusive interview with The Athletic. Apparently, a confrontation with “the GM’s friend” led to his release:

That’s how I got [cut] in Houston. One person that’s not technically a part of the organization called me a B-word at Greenbrier. I get out [of] my body; he says something to the GM [Nick Caserio], and the next thing I’m cut.

After the Texans cut CJGJ, several outlets reported that tension between him and head coach DeMeco Ryans played a key role in the entire scenario. However, Gardner-Johnson denied the claim in the Athletic article.

If y’all going to cut me, cut me. But I’ll give nobody reasons to cut me. I haven’t. I don’t. I’m not a cancer. There’s nobody in this locker room that says, ‘Chauncey’s a problem.’

In October, the Baltimore Ravens picked him up, but a week later, he was back on the free agency market. Eventually, he signed a contract with the Chicago Bears. He played 10 games for the NFC North franchise, recorded 51 tackles, 3 sacks, 5 TFLs, 4 PDs, and a couple of interceptions.

Following the Bears’ exit from the playoffs in the divisional round, CJGJ became a free agent once again. In March, the Buffalo Bills signed him to a one-year, $6 million contract.

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CJ Gardner-Johnson received high praise from Josh Allen

CJGJ has left a positive mark on his Bills teammates. During the OTAs, he shone in the Bills’ stacked secondary.

CJ Gardner-Johnson Claims Clash with 'GM's Friend' Led to Surprise Texans Release
CJ Gardner-Johnson (Image via IMAGO)

He picked off quarterback Josh Allen a couple of times after promising to do so beforehand. Allen is impressed by CJGJ’s vocal presence.

It’s been awesome. [Gardner-Johnson’s] a competitor. He’s the loudest guy in the room at all times. He’s a constant, constant competitor, and nothing he does is half speed. He does it full speed… To have a guy like that in your locker room, pushing your guys and forcing them to compete even harder, those guys are gems. And I think every team needs that type of guy.

Gardner-Johnson can play anywhere in the backline. But his best position is when he plays aggressively. He once had 6 interceptions in one single campaign. The Bills needed someone like him. The Bills’ third-down defense ranked 24th out of 32 teams, and 19th as red zone defense last year.

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