Darius Slay shares feelings on Texans’ decision to cut CJ Gardner-Johnson, ‘that just don’t sit right…’

CJ Gardner-Johnson released by the Texans, Darius Slay surprised by the move

The Houston Texans traded offensive lineman Kenyon Green for CJ Gardner-Johnson back in March, along with a pick-swap in the late rounds.

Head coach DeMeco Ryans added a veteran presence to a young secondary, looking to improve on what was one of the league’s most promising units from the 2024 season.

CJ Gardner-Johnson brings a level of intensity to every unit he plays on, and after a difficult start to the 2025 season, he and the Houston Texans are parting ways.

Texans reporter Aaron Wilson posted on X, saying:

“The Texans released C.J. Gardner-Johnson after friction behind the scenes with him complaining about his role, wanting to blitz more, per league sources, and even communicating that he wanted to be traded. It didn’t work out for him here.”

He went into further detail in his report, suggesting there were blown assignments on Gardner-Johnson’s part, plus frustrations between the safety and some of his teammates.

Fans seemed to believe he was calling out Jalen Pitre, who is signed to a $39 million deal while playing a similar role to CJ.

Darius Slay spoke with Richard Sherman about the situation, and certainly seemed surprised:

“When he got over there in Texas they gave him some guaranteed money, kind of invested in him to make sure he was good. So that was a good sign… but the fact that they let him go after three weeks, that just don’t sit right. That’s tough.”

Slay continued: “I know him as a person; he’s a true competitor. He’s emotionally driven. The fact that he’s coming from a team that’s 3-0, he’s 0-3. That’s wild. But hey, he’s gotta find a way.”

CJ Gardner-Johnson had said during the offseason that he was hurt when he was traded by the Eagles, and took it hard when he landed with the Texans. He had said that DeMeco Ryans was understanding of his situation, but showed a lot of emotion in having to leave Philadelphia and move his family to a new city.

Fans are calling for their teams to sign CJ Gardner-Johnson, including the Eagles

As soon as the news broke that CJ Gardner Johnson was being released, posts flooded in on X suggesting Howie Roseman bring him back to the Eagles.

Given his emotion in having to leave the city, one would imagine that the veteran safety would be open to the idea of returning to the team he won the Super Bowl with.

However, because Gardner-Johnson only played three games with the Texans before being released, he is unable to return to the Eagles this year.

The rule states that any player signed via waivers or trade has to play a minimum of four games to be eligible to return to their former team.

Other franchises will certainly be interested, but CJ Gardner-Johnson will not want to play for a struggling franchise. He’s a competitor, and clearly isn’t shy about calling out his teammates if he feels the standard is lacking.