Life in the NFL can be rough, and former Gator C.J. Gardner-Johnson has learned how quickly one can go from a desired player to one who gets cut. Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions in 2024 and won the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles back in February.
He was traded to the Houston Texans in the offseason, but on the heels of a 0-3 start, the Texans have opted to cut the player they just traded for.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson cut by the Houston Texans
According to Pro Football Focus, Gardner-Johnson had a grade of 63.4 on the season and had given up six receptions on eight targets. He had not been credited with a pass break-up this year.
Ironically, Gardner-Johnson earned his best grade of the season on Sunday when he was graded out with a 74.3, and PFF claimed he gave up no receptions, but a story on ESPN paints a different picture.
Team sources made sure to make it known to ESPN that Gardner-Johnson was struggling with coverage assignments, and against Jacksonville, they claim he was responsible for a coverage bust:
"Last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Gardner-Johnson made a crucial mistake with the game knotted 10-10 late in the fourth quarter, jumping an out-breaking route by Parker Washington when he was responsible for anything over the middle of the field, Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence pounced on the mistake, hitting receiver Brian Thomas on a post for a 46-yard reception down to Houston's 10-yard line against man-to-man coverage."
This is Gardner-Johnson's 7th season in the NFL. Houston was the fouth different team he had played for.
He was originally drafted in the 4th round by New Orleans in the 2019 NFL Draft.
He was known by Chauncey Gardner Jr. during his freshman and sophomore years at Florida before changing his name to C.J. Gardner-Johnson. He declared early for the NFL Draft after his junior season.