Few defensive backs have been as versatile as CJ Gardner-Johnson has been over the past half-decade.
A 2019 fourth-round pick for the New Orleans Saints, he made his name as a physical slot corner who could also play safety, blitz effectively and cover top receivers if needed.
His national breakout came in Philadelphia with the Eagles in 2022 when he tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions despite missing time with a lacerated kidney. He also started through the Eagles’ run to the Super Bowl that season. He doubled down in 2024 back in Philly, again logging six picks on what became a championship roster.
USA Today’s Nick Brinkerhoff thinks CJGJ could help the Dallas Cowboys in multiple areas.
“Dallas’ defense had its soul zapped after the Micah Parsons trade and has never shied away from players like Gardner-Johnson,” Brinkerhoff wrote on September 23. “Parsons isn’t walking through that door again, so Gardner-Johnson’s blend of attitude and skill might just be what the Cowboys need to get their swagger back.”
Gardner-Johnson Has Had a Wild Start to His 2025 Campaign
GettyDefensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson is now a free agent. Should the Dallas Cowboys sign him?
Now in Year 7, Gardner-Johnson has 18 interceptions and 51 pass breakups in 77 games (64 starts) over his career.
A torn pectoral limited his 2023 stint with the Detroit Lions to three games before a late-season return; in 2024 he was back to full duty, starting 16 games for the Eagles.
His 2025 stop in Houston recently ended abruptly after three starts. Multiple reports point to fit and friction with the coaching staff and team more than talent as the reason for what insider Ian Rapoport called a “surprise” release.
ESPN detailed communication issues and difficulty meshing with DeMeco Ryans’ match-coverage rules. The move also followed veteran safety Jimmie Ward’s reinstatement, which reshuffled the depth chart.
Should the Dallas Cowboys Sign Safety CJ Gardner-Johnson?
So, should the Cowboys enter the chat with CJGJ currently available? We think so.
Dallas leans heavily on sub-packages and interchangeability on the back end, and Gardner-Johnson is exactly the kind of movable piece who can supercharge dime looks and tighten red zone windows. Pairing him with Dallas’ existing safety group and a ball-hawking corner like DaRon Bland could absolutely spell trouble for opposing wideouts.
He should also be relatively affordable. Because he was released after a restructure, he hits the market immediately, with Houston eating some dead money. That opens up a realistic one-year, incentive-laden deal that would also protect Dallas on cash while rewarding the veteran DB for snaps played, interceptions, etc.
Questions about his fit in Dallas are fair, but they’re manageable. Gardner-Johnson has thrived when roles are clearly defined and communicated; Dallas’ staff can meet him there by narrowing his menu early.
Worst case scenario? He’s a bust for a year. Best case? The Cowboys would be getting the best version of a player who has already tied for the league lead in picks. For a defense built around taking the ball away, the Cowboys could do a lot worse than Gardner-Johnson.
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