It's easy to jump right to conclusions whenever a former Philadelphia Eagles player gets cut that gneral manager Howie Roseman to call to bring them back. Don't put all the chips in the middle of the table this time around.
Some stunning NFL news came on Tuesday when it was reported that the Houston Texans were releasing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The Eagles traded C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a 2025 fifth-round pick. Ironically, neither Gardner-Johnson or Green are on an NFL roster.
Sources: The #Texans are releasing S C. J. Gardner-Johnson. A surprise. pic.twitter.com/8hfYC8weCi
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2025
Gardner-Johnson started all three games for the Texans as he made 15 tackles. Texans reporter Aaron Wilson added some interesting insight into what happened to make Houston release Gardner-Johnson.
"Texans released C.J. Gardner-Johnson after friction behind the scenes with him complaining about his role, wanting to blitz more, per league sources, and even communicating that he wanted to be traded. It didn't work out for him here."
Does it make sense for the Eagles to bring back Gardner-Johnson?
Everyone's first thought is for the Eagles to sign him a third time and get him back into the starting lineup. There are a few problems that would need to be resolved before that happens.
Let's remember, Gardner-Johnson was not so kind to the Eagles and Roseman for trading him and had plenty to say about that. He has since apologized, but there seems to be a trend of Gardner-Johnson being a problem child.
Don't forget, the Eagles drafted his replacement, Andrew Mukuba, in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and he has played well so far. Sure, it isn't perfect, and Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio has acknowledged some coverage breakdowns for the rookie out of Texas, but Mukuba has been showing great growth through three games.
On the flip side, the Eagles' defense does need some veteran leadership, being one of the youngest units in the NFL. Plus, with Adoree' Jackson and Jakorian Bennett hurt, depth might be an issue in the secondary.
Read more: Eagles facing nightmare situation in secondary entering pivotal Buccaneers game
Don't expect Roseman to be calling right away to bring Gardner-Johnson back, despite the fact the two times he's been on the roster, the Eagles have made the Super Bowl. There's some things that need to be fixed before it happens, so it's not a clear cut thing. Yet.