C.J. Gardner-Johnson‘s NFL journey has reached another uncertain moment. Just one week after signing with the Baltimore Ravens‘ practice squad, the veteran safety was released, once again facing free agency.
According to his agent, Kevin Conner, the decision was described as “an amicable mutual decision.” Still, it marks another setback for a player who was once one of the league’s most energetic defenders.
At 27 years old, Gardner-Johnson is far from finished, but his career has taken unexpected turns. A few seasons ago, he was celebrating a Super Bowl appearance with the Philadelphia Eagles. Today, he finds himself searching for another opportunity to prove his value.
For many in Philadelphia, that opportunity should come from the team where he once thrived after injuries have forced the Eagles to rely on younger players like Andrew Mukuba, and while those prospects bring potential, the defense lacks the experience and intensity Gardner-Johnson once offered.
“CJ Gardner-Johnson is hungry, and that’s exactly what the Eagles need,” analysts have suggested, emphasizing how his edge and leadership could stabilize the secondary.
Gardner-Johnson‘s production is difficult to ignore. Across seven NFL seasons, he has recorded 18 interceptions and 51 passes defended, and his six-interception performance during the Eagles‘ 2022 season helped them reach the Super Bowl.
That backs up his reputation as a player who can shift a game’s momentum. His competitive nature and vocal leadership became key elements of that team’s identity.
The Baltimore stint, however, didn’t provide the comeback platform he hoped for. Gardner-Johnson joined the Ravens on October 7, but the timing was unfavorable.
The team soon traded for Alohi Gilman from the Los Angeles Chargers, who quickly started against the Rams and recorded seven tackles. Gardner-Johnson remained on the practice squad, unable to secure a game-day role before being released.
This release was his second of the 2025 season, following a brief stay with the Houston Texans. Despite the recent setbacks, his skill set remains valuable for teams in need of depth and reliability in the secondary.
His experience and ball-hawking instincts continue to make him a desirable option for defensive coordinators looking for immediate impact.
A reunion with the Eagles may make strategic sense for both sides. Philadelphia‘s defense has shown flashes of strength but has struggled to maintain consistency. Gardner-Johnson‘s familiarity could provide instant chemistry.
Who else could the Eagles trade for?
While discussions about Gardner-Johnson‘s potential return continue, the Eagles may also look elsewhere for defensive reinforcement as the sudden retirement of veteran pass rusher Za’Darius Smith has left a notable gap at edge rusher.
Howie Roseman has a history of making aggressive moves before deadlines and with seven draft picks in 2026 and the likelihood of compensatory selections, the team has the resources to pursue experienced defenders who can make an immediate difference.
Among possible trade candidates, Cincinnati Bengals star Trey Hendrickson stands out. The 30-year-old defensive end remains highly productive, tallying four sacks and eight quarterback hits through six games.
Despite his age, Hendrickson‘s consistency and leadership make him an ideal fit for a defense in need of a spark. Other potential options include Miami Dolphins edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips.
Chubb has rebounded from a past ACL injury to post four sacks this season, while Phillips, still only 26, brings youth and athleticism. Both players have prior experience under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, which could ease their integration.
If the Eagles can pair one of these additions with a potential Gardner-Johnson reunion, the defense could once again resemble the aggressive, turnover-hunting unit that powered their 2022 Super Bowl run.
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