Former UF Standout C.J. Gardner-Johnson Signed to Ravens’ Practice Squad

Former Florida football star and NFL veteran C.J. Gardner-Johnson was signed to Baltimore’s practice squad Tuesday.

The Ravens picked him up after his recent release from the Houston Texans, where he only played three games. Gardner-Johnson joins the team ahead of its Week 6 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams to add defensive reinforcement.

Battered by injuries, Baltimore is looking for a break in their season. The Ravens, annually an AFC power, are off to a disappointing 1-4 start. Part of the failure is due to injuries. Both the Ravens’ offense and defense are collapsing with the absence of star players. They hope help may be on the way on defense with Gardner-Johnson’s addition.

Gardner-Johnson played safety at UF from 2016 to 2018. He recorded 161 tackles with nine interceptions while at Florida. He decided to forgo his final season and declare for the NFL Draft after his junior year, when the New Orleans Saints selected him in the fourth round.

Following stints with the Saints, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions, Gardner-Johnson returned to the Eagles for the 2024 season, when he played a pivotal role in the team’s second Super Bowl win of the last decade. He started in 16 games and tallied 59 tackles and six interceptions. 

Baltimore roped in the free agent to add some experience to its defensive backfield. Considering Baltimore’s rush defense is subpar, rating as the second-worst in the NFL, the secondary has needed to step up. However, with both cornerback Marlon Humphrey and safety Kyle Hamilton out with injuries, the secondary, too, is lacking strength and depth.

As part of his release in Houston, Gardner-Johnson will continue to receive his guaranteed salary, making it easy for Baltimore to activate him to the 53-man roster without much financial strain. In turn, it’s possible that in the next few weeks he shifts into the starting lineup.

Category: Gators Football, NFL