The Baltimore Ravens know what is at stake after their 1-4 start, and they are hoping their latest move helps salvage a season that has gone off the rails.
Baltimore has signed veteran safety and 2024 Super Bowl champion C.J. Gardner-Johnson to its practice squad. Gardner-Johnson began the season as a member of the Houston Texans, where he signed in free agency during the 2025 offseason.
That Gardner-Johnson was available at this juncture of the NFL calendar speaks volumes.
He is a top playmaker on the defensive side of the ball, but while his intentions may have been proper, he has also worn out his welcome at each of his last two stops.
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“Free-agent safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is signing with Ravens practice squad, per his agent Kevin Conner of @unisportsmgmt,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in a post on X on Tuesday. “Gardner-Johnson still gets his fully guaranteed 2025 salary with the Texans so there is little financial impact for the Ravens.”
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Gardner-Johnson led the NFL with six interceptions in 2022. He matched that mark with the Philadelphia Eagles last season. The team traded Gardner-Johnson to the Texans following their Super Bowl win, which the veteran took issue with.
However, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans decided to cut Gardner-Johnson after just three games. The news came amid reports the outspoken safety was criticizing teammates and their salaries while playing outside of the Texans’ scheme.
“It’s my decision to move on. I know what’s best for my team,” Ryans told media members in September after the move. “I’m not going to go into all the details of it. It was coming from me, the head coach. It’s my team. It was the best for our team, and that’s why I made the decision. So, I’m not going in any further details on it.”
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The Texans defeated the Ravens 44-10 in Week 5 without Gardner-Johnson.
Baltimore is navigating a myriad injuries. The team ranks 32nd in scoring defense and 31st against the pass. Gardner-Johnson may help, if he makes it to the Ravens’ active roster, but there are numerous issues that need addressing heading into a Week 6 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams (3-2).