Yes, you read that right. Just a week after they signed him, the Baltimore Ravens are releasing veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson from their practice squad, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“After the Ravens
traded for a safety, we were looking for a clearer path to play,” said Kevin Conner, Gardner-Johnson’s agent, characterizing his client’s release as “an amicable mutual decision.”
Gardner-Johnson began the season with the Texans, where reported locker room issues led to his release after Week 3 despite starting in Houston’s first three games. The Ravens, seeking a third safety to make some changes in their secondary, signed him on October 7.
Later that same day, they acquired another veteran safety, Alohi Gilman, in the Odafe Oweh trade with the Chargers. Gilman took every rep in practice this week, according to defensive coordinator Zach Orr, making it clear that Gardner-Johnson was not in Baltimore’s immediate plans. He was not elevated for Sunday’s game against the Rams and sought his release a few days later. The Ravens, who typically try to accommodate such requests, let him go.
This story will be updated with more information.