Texans shockingly release $27 million defender after 0-3 start

Jarrett Bailey

Texans shockingly release $27 million defender after 0-3 start image

Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

The Houston Texans are in a hole that already feels impossible to climb out of. After losing to their AFC South-rivals, the Jacksonville Jaguars, in Week 3, Houston is 0-3 with a division loss.

The Texans' offense has been one of the worst in the NFL, ranking 29th in yards per game and 28th in EPA per play. Despite that, it's the defensive side of the ball that the Texans are addressing with a shock release on Tuesday. Per Ian Rapoport, the Texans are releasing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

"Sources: The Texans are releasing S C. J. Gardner-Johnson," Rapoport reports on X. "A surprise."

The Texans traded for the former Eagles defensive back this past offseason, sending guard Kenyon Green to the Eagles. The trade also featured a pick swap. This move comes after fellow safety Jimmie Ward was taken off the exempt list.

Houston is gearing up to face the Tennessee Titans in a battle of 0-3 AFC South teams in Week 4.

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Jarrett Bailey

Jarrett Bailey is a freelance NFL writer for The Sporting News. He previously wrote for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, The 33rd Team and Pro Football Network. Enjoyer of chocolate milk, metal music, Batman, pasta salad, and pro wrestling. There is nothing more breathtaking than a Jeff Hardy swanton bomb.