We now have more details about what is behind the Houston Texans' reported decision to release safety C.J. Gardner Johnson.
News broke on Tuesday afternoon that the two sides were headed for a split. Shortly after that, Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com provided details of the cause of the release.
Wilson says Gardner-Johnson was not happy about his role, causing "friction behind the scenes."
Wilson also added that Johnson wanted to blitz more and even told the Texans he wanted to be traded amid his unhappiness with the team.
Why did Texans release C.J. 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," he reported. "M.J. Stewart next man up expected."
Gardner-Johnson played 96% of the team's snaps over the first three games, including 65 out of 70 snaps in Week 3, so his snap count wasn't the issue.
The move to release Gardner-Johnson comes just weeks after the team converted $6.58 million of his salary into a signing bonus, which, at the time, suggested the team had plans for him.
My, how quickly things have changed.
Gardner-Johnson, who was traded to the Texans from the Philadelphia Eagles in March, now goes to free agency, where he can sign with any team.
The veteran should draw interest and find a new home quickly, although his seemingly volatile nature might make some teams hesitant.
As for the Texans, they will now look forward to a Week 4 matchup that they hope will result in the team's first victory of what has been a disastrous season thus far.
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