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Ravens Release Super Bowl Champion C.J. Gardner-Johnson

10/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

C.J. Gardner-Johnson was released by the Baltimore Ravens a week after signing him, following the Ravens' trade for safety Alohi Gilman and limited his playing opportunities.
Agent Kevin Conner said they sought a clearer path to play.
Gardner-Johnson now enters free agency after a season that included a Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles last year and a release by the Houston Texans after three games amid locker-room issues.

History

Historical Context

The NFL's 2011 collective bargaining agreement transformed player movement and free agency, allowing 471 players to enter free agency. This shift enabled teams like the Baltimore Ravens to make quick roster changes, exemplified by C.J. Gardner-Johnson's release after acquiring Alohi Gilman. The trend of frequent transactions reflects franchises' strategies to optimize performance while managing salary caps, increasing uncertainty for players.

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Story summary

C.J. Gardner-Johnson was released by the Baltimore Ravens a week after signing him, following the Ravens' trade for safety Alohi Gilman and limited his playing opportunities.
Agent Kevin Conner said they sought a clearer path to play.
Gardner-Johnson now enters free agency after a season that included a Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles last year and a release by the Houston Texans after three games amid locker-room issues.

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