Just three games into the regular season, C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s tenure with the Houston Texans is over, and he is back on the free agent market looking for work. Following the surprising decision, Gardner-Johnson shared a message.
The Texans acquired Gardner-Johnson from the Philadelphia Eagles this past offseason. He was expected to provide a boost on the field with his energy and playmaking.
Instead, Gardner-Johnson’s freelancing and outspoken nature led to his exit from the Texans.
Ex-Texans Star C.J. Gardner-Johnson Sends Message After Release
GettyAzeez Al-Shaair #0 and C.J. Gardner-Johnson #8 of the Houston Texans celebrate against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Gardner-Johnson, 27, was in Year 2 of a three-year, $27 million contract before his release from the Texans.
“And He told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. -Luke 18:1,” Gardner-Johnson posted to his Instagram story after the Texans surprisingly cut him on September 23.
The Texans’ defense ranks 16th overall and is 13th against the pass through three weeks.
Gardner-Johnson has logged 15 total tackles, 11 of them of the solo variety, on a 96% snap share, per Pro Football Reference.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson Freelanced, Called Out Teammates
GettyC.J. Gardner-Johnson #8 of the Philadelphia Eagles speaks with reporters during Super Bowl week.
According to KPRC’s Aaron Wilson on September 23, the Texans’ issues with Gardner-Johnson included, among other thighs, “criticism of teammates in the secondary, including the size of one player’s contract, complaints about his role, including a desire to blitz more frequently, and a trade request along with him making frequent comparisons to what he was accustomed to with the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl championship squad.
“There was also a recurring tendency from Gardner-Johnson to allow game-changing plays.”
ESPN’s DJ Bein-Aime reported that Gardner-Johnson has struggled to pick up coach DeMeco Ryans’ defensive scheme this season, which has contributed to several big plays against the secondary.
“At minimum, according to team sources, Gardner-Johnson has allowed three big plays in those games that have contributed to the opposing offense scoring touchdowns,” Bien-Aime wrote on September 23. “Gardner-Johnson has struggled to consistently guard the correct opposing player when required to ‘match coverage’ based on the Texans’ defensive call and the routes run by the offense, struggles that also occurred during walk-throughs in the lead-up to games.”
Gardner-Johnson was expressing faith in the Texans on social media before his release. But his potential attempts to inspire his teammates fell on deaf ears among a close-knit group.
The Texans are far from out of the woods, with their issues extending beyond Gardner-Johnson.
Texans Called Out as Offseason Plans Fail
GettyHouston Texans general manager Nick Caserio looks on before a game against the Chicago Bears.
The Texans’ offseason was built around the rebuilding of their offensive line and the trade for Gardner-Johnson, in addition to the draft.
The offense has struggled, thanks largely to their line play, and Gardner-Johnson is gone.
“The Texans trade for CJ Gardner-Johnson was a cornerstone move in an offseason where needs on offense were neglected,” “The Bull Pen: A Houston Texans Podcast” host James Roy posted on X on September 23. “Cutting him makes a bad offseason worse.”
The Texans will not receive much benefit of the doubt during the season. Regardless of whether Gardner-Johnson was the issue or not, they must play better going forward or face more changes.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post C.J. Gardner-Johnson Sends Message After Stunning Exit From Texans appeared first on Heavy Sports.