Why did the Houston Texans release defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson?

Looking back the film, it just seemed like he wasn’t a fit.

According to ESPN’s D.J. Bien-Amie, Gardner-Johnson has allowed three big plays in those games that have contributed to the opposing offense scoring touchdowns. Bien-Amie also reported that Gardner-Johnson had struggled to consistently guard the correct opposing player when required to “match coverage” based on the Texans’ defensive call by head coach DeMeco Ryans.

In short, Gardner-Johnson didn’t fit, nor wanted to fit, in Ryans’ defensive formation. He played to what fit his skill set, thus setting off the defense and leaving holes in the secondary.

When asked on Monday, following Houston’s 17-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ryans said the communication for the secondary has been great.

“When you see a big play that happens on our defense, somewhere along the lines, there’s a bust in communication,” Ryans said. “It all starts with communication and it hasn’t been as crisp as it needs to be. So, we have to play better on the defensive side.”

According to NFL Next Gen stats, Gardner-Johnson was responsible for 10 catches and 94 yards allowed in coverage. While he wasn’t responsible for giving up a touchdown, Bien-Aime reported that Gardner-Johnson jumped on a route by Parker Washington, which led to Trevor Lawrence hitting receiver Brian Thomas Jr. for a 46-yard reception down to Houston’s 10-yard line, setting up the game-winning touchdown run from Travis Etienne.

In the replay via social media, it’s clear to see cornerback Kamari Lassiter throw his hands up in the air with frustration since he believed that Gardner-Johnson was directed to cover Thomas.

Even with a need at safety, Gardner-Johnson is now the second player that the Texans have released midseason because of attitude issues. According to Bien-Amie, Gardner-Johnson has refused to take responsibility for his mistakes, but rather finger-point at others on defense for not picking up the slack.

Gardner-Johnson’s locker room persona and attitude mirror former wide receiver Diontae Johnson, who was released after three games for openly complaining in the locker room about playing time. 

The Texans face off against the winless Tennessee Titans on Sunday at noon at NRG Stadium. Houston could elevate safety Jalen Mills from the practice squad to back up M.J.. Stewart before taking veteran Jimmie Ward off the PUP list for next week’s matchup against the Baltimore Ravens.