Ravens Release C.J. Gardner-Johnson Days After Signing Amid Struggles

Ravens Cut C.J. Gardner-Johnson Days After Signing: What Went Wrong?

In a move that surprised many in the NFL community, the Baltimore Ravens released veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson just one week after signing him to their practice squad. The decision, announced on October 14, 2025, comes as the team faces mounting pressure to address its defensive woes and turn around a difficult start to the season.

Behind the Scenes: A Brief Stint and Swift Exit

Gardner-Johnson’s time in Baltimore was short-lived. After being signed on October 7, the Ravens quickly pivoted by acquiring safety Alohi Gilman from the Los Angeles Chargers later that same day. Gilman started in the Ravens’ subsequent game against the Los Angeles Rams, tallying seven tackles and earning the nod over Gardner-Johnson, who remained on the practice squad and was never activated for game action.

According to Gardner-Johnson’s agent, Kevin Conner, the release was the result of a “mutual, amicable decision.” Conner explained to ESPN‘s Adam Schefter that the Ravens’ trade for Gilman altered the team’s depth chart, leaving Gardner-Johnson with an unclear path to playing time. “After the Ravens traded for a safety, we were looking for a clearer path to play,” Conner said, hinting that both sides agreed it was best to part ways.

Context: A Season of Instability for Gardner-Johnson

This marks the second time Gardner-Johnson has been released this season. The Houston Texans let him go late last month after just three games, adding another abrupt chapter to his year. At 27 years old, Gardner-Johnson remains a proven playmaker, with 18 career interceptions and 51 passes defended over seven NFL seasons. He was a standout for the Philadelphia Eagles last year, recording six interceptions as the team surged to a Super Bowl title.

The frequent moves raise questions about the stability of Gardner-Johnson’s career trajectory. Is it simply bad timing, or does it point to deeper shifts in how teams value veteran defensive backs in today’s fast-changing NFL?

Ravens’ Defensive Struggles: Searching for Answers

Gardner-Johnson’s release is just one symptom of the Ravens’ broader defensive issues. The team ranks last in the league for points allowed per game (32.3) as they enter their bye week, a stat that has fueled criticism and concern among fans and commentators. The pressure is mounting on head coach John Harbaugh, with analysts like Stephen A. Smith openly questioning whether it’s time for Baltimore to consider a coaching change.

By turning to trades and quick roster moves, the Ravens signal a sense of urgency. The hope was that Gardner-Johnson’s experience and ball-hawking ability could help stabilize a shaky secondary, but the acquisition of Gilman—and his immediate impact—made Gardner-Johnson expendable.

For now, the Ravens’ defensive strategy remains in flux. Whether Gilman can be the answer, or whether further changes are coming, is a question that looms over the team as it tries to salvage its season.

What’s Next for Gardner-Johnson?

Despite the setbacks, Gardner-Johnson’s track record suggests he won’t be without suitors for long. His knack for interceptions and ability to play multiple roles in the secondary make him an attractive option for teams seeking depth or injury replacements. But the rapid-fire releases from both Houston and Baltimore are a reminder that fit and opportunity can be as important as talent in the NFL.

As teams reassess their rosters ahead of the second half of the season, Gardner-Johnson may yet find a landing spot where his skills are needed—and where he can re-establish his value. But for now, the abrupt end to his Ravens chapter is a stark example of how quickly fortunes can shift in professional football.

The Human Element: Navigating Uncertainty

For Gardner-Johnson, these sudden changes are more than just transactions; they represent real disruption, both professionally and personally. Moving between teams, cities, and playbooks, the uncertainty can be taxing. Yet, in interviews throughout his career, Gardner-Johnson has shown resilience—a willingness to adapt, and a focus on contributing wherever he lands.

The Ravens, meanwhile, must weigh the cost of instability against the urgency of fixing their defense. With the fan base restless and the team sitting at 1-5, every decision is magnified, every move scrutinized. The release of Gardner-Johnson may be just a footnote in a turbulent season, but it reflects the relentless churn of an NFL team struggling to find its footing.

The Ravens’ decision to part ways with Gardner-Johnson so quickly underscores the volatility of NFL careers—and the razor-thin margin for error in a league where both teams and players must continually adapt. For Gardner-Johnson, the next opportunity will hinge not just on his talent, but on finding a team whose needs align with his strengths. For the Ravens, the search for defensive stability remains urgent and unresolved.

Image Credit: espn.com