After veteran safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was released by the Houston Texans on Tuesday, it sounds like a return to his old team won’t be in the cards.

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was asked about the possibility of reuniting with Gardner-Johnson, and he downplayed the idea, telling reporters, “I’m really excited about the room we have.”

Gardner-Johnson spent the 2022 season with the Eagles and returned to the team in 2024 after spending one year with the Detroit Lions. He started all 16 of his appearances last season and produced 59 total tackles, 12 passes defended, a career-high-tying six interceptions, his first career return touchdown and a forced fumble. During the postseason, he registered 14 tackles as the Eagles went on to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history.

In March, Philadelphia traded Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to Houston in exchange for guard Kenyon Green and a 2025 fifth-round pick. He was hindered after suffering a leg injury during training camp in August, and it reflected in his play when the season started.

Gardner-Johnson recorded 15 tackles through three games for the Texans. ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime reported that the 27-year-old “struggled to pick up coach DeMeco Ryans’ defensive scheme this season, which has contributed to several big plays against the secondary through the first three weeks.” In addition to his blown coverages, Gardner-Johnson reportedly “refused to take responsibility for his mistakes, rubbing his teammates the wrong way.”

It’s clear that Gardner-Johnson needs to rebuild his reputation after his sour stint in Houston, but he will have to find a new home rather than returning to Philadelphia for a third time.