CJ Gardner-Johnson Joins Baltimore Ravens’ Practice Squad

CJ Gardner-Johnson is making another change in his NFL journey. The well-known safety, famous for his vocal presence on the field, has signed with the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad, as announced on Tuesday.

Baltimore (1-4) has faced significant struggles defensively this season, particularly in light of Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton’s recent groin injury. The team is eager to enhance its safety depth following his absence.

In Hamilton’s absence, the Ravens started rookie first-round pick Malachi Starks along with undrafted free agent Reuben Lowry during a tough 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans.

For Gardner-Johnson, this new chapter marks the fourth team he has joined in just three years, following a surprising release from Houston after only three games. In March, the Texans dealt the veteran safety to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for left guard Kenyon Green, a second-round draft pick from 2022.

It’s worth noting that Gardner-Johnson found it tough to break into the starting lineup while with the Texans, managing just 15 tackles and yielding six completions on eight targets in his three starts.

Interestingly, he did generate some buzz during his brief time in Houston, particularly for a memorable staredown with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield on September 15th, as well as exchanging words afterward.

Prior to his time with the Texans, the 27-year-old safety spent three years with the New Orleans Saints before moving to the Eagles in 2022, where he led the league with six interceptions in a Super Bowl run. He later played for the Detroit Lions and returned to the Eagles in 2024, contributing to their Super Bowl win against the Kansas City Chiefs this past season.

After their recent setbacks, the Ravens are determined to turn things around as they prepare to face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.