Eagles Meet With Former Safety Just 10 Hours After Texans Release — Despite Past Backlash

The Philadelphia Eagles have wasted little time exploring a reunion with a familiar face. Less than 10 hours after veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was released by the Houston Texans, league sources confirm the Eagles arranged a workout with the 27-year-old defender.

Gardner-Johnson’s sudden availability came as the Texans tumbled to an 0-3 start, choosing to cut ties with the playmaking safety they acquired from Philadelphia earlier this year. The move caught many around the league off guard, especially given his reputation as a ball hawk and emotional leader.

Eagles Work Out With C.J. Gardner-Johnson Just 10 Hours After Texans Release pic.twitter.com/saMemTw3E5

— Adam Schetfer (@fanhub_nfl) September 24, 2025

The Eagles, who originally traded Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Houston in March in exchange for offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-rounder, now appear interested in bringing him back into the fold.

It is a surprising twist considering Gardner-Johnson had previously taken veiled shots at the organization, questioning the team’s commitment after their post–Super Bowl roster reshuffling. His comments were seen as part of a tense split, yet the Eagles seem willing to prioritize talent over past words.

Financial concerns drove his original departure. Gardner-Johnson carried a cap hit near $10 million for 2025, prompting GM Howie Roseman to pivot toward extending linebacker Zack Baun and investing in first-rounders Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean to rebuild the secondary.

In Houston, Gardner-Johnson recorded two interceptions across 12 games but could not elevate a struggling defense under DeMeco Ryans. His release was framed as both a cost-saving move and a chance for younger players to step up.

For Philadelphia, however, his versatility and proven playmaking could help solidify a secondary that still seeks consistency behind Darius Slay and the rookie duo of Mitchell and DeJean. Whether the workout translates into a contract remains to be seen, but the door to a reunion has been cracked open sooner than anyone expected.