The Baltimore Ravens are desperately searching for answers on the defense, as every aspect of the unit has fallen short of expectations in 2025. Add in the mounting injuries to various starters, and the Ravens are enduring a defensive crisis five weeks into the NFL season.
They are turning over every stone to try to turn around the defense’s worst start in franchise history. Most recently, they signed safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to their practice squad. Gardner-Johnson was released by the Houston Texans late in September and now finds himself on a team undergoing an early-season collapse.
Free-agent safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is signing with Ravens practice squad, per his agent Kevin Conner of @unisportsmgmt.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2025
Gardner-Johnson still gets his fully guaranteed 2025 salary with the Texans so there is little financial impact for the Ravens. pic.twitter.com/InJnQ6c2wi
Gardner-Johnson has been one of the more polarizing players in the NFL recently. While he has the talent to make game-changing plays in coverage, he is also known for outbursts on the field and in the locker room. However, the Ravens are in desperation mode right now and are clearly willing to take the chance on the veteran if it means helping reform the defense.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson signing signals growing desperation in Baltimore
Gardner-Johnson was off to a rough start in 2025, before being released by the Texans following Week 3. He has registered a 59.6 overall grade in three games, per Pro Football Focus, and reportedly was an issue in Houston’s locker room.
However, Gardner-Johnson has talent, especially when it comes to forcing turnovers. He tallied six interceptions with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 and has a total of 18 picks across his seven-year career. The Ravens need more of that. They have forced just two turnovers in 2025, both coming in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. That mark ranks tied for second-worst in the league.
While Gardner-Johnson has struggled to maintain coverage responsibilities and undoubtedly brings a fiery personality, he could be the energizing piece Baltimore needs on defense. The unit has played with shoulders slumped and has not shown much passion. Gardner-Johnson could change the tone, and his risky playstyle to force turnovers could get the Ravens back on the right track.
Of course, this move could also backfire. The defensive unit has been searching for a replacement for Ar’Darius Washington, who has been out with an Achilles injury. Although Gardner-Johnson could be that guy, he could also continue to disappoint in 2025. It is a risk worth taking, though, as the team has nothing to lose heading into their Week 6 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams.