The Texans made another big move Tuesday morning. Houston acquired controversial Super Bowl champion, safety C.J Gardner-Johnson in exchange for troubled offensive lineman, Kenyon Green. The trade also included a pick swap in which the Texans dealt a 2026 5th round pick and received a 2026 6th round pick in return. The move strengthened an already strong defensive backfield that already includes All-Pro Derek Stingley, rookie standouts Calen Bullock and Kamari Lassiter, and the swiss army knife of the defense, Jalen Pitre. Can he be the final piece that takes the Texans defense to yet another level?
A Perfect Fit For Demeco’s Defense
Gardner-Johnson is the aggressive, ball hawk of a safety the Texans defense has been missing. Jimmie Ward played his position in 2024 and while Ward was solid at strong safety, Gardner-Johnson will bring a different attitude to the secondary. He is a player who excels in creating turnovers, and his 6 interceptions in 2024 put that on full display. He is also a hard hitting safety that will make receivers and tight ends think twice about coming across the middle of the field. The rest of the secondary can now thrive in their roles with the acquisition of Gardner-Johnson. Bullock can truly be that centerfielder that can track the ball down and make plays. Jalen Pitre can thrive in his role as the star position and play free, knowing he can afford to be an aggressive, downhill run stopper, and deliver those big hits. Kamari and Stingley will be those lockdown corners on the outside. One can argue that the Texans secondary has to potential to be a top unit in the entire NFL.
Strong Safety Position Needed To Be Addressed
The strong safety position had been a position of need and concern dating back to 2023. An aging Jimmie Ward held down the spot when he was able to be on the field. The knock on him was his unavailability due to constant injuries. He was essentially a stop gap until they found their next guy. Former Broncos safety Justin Simmons, who ended up signing with the Falcons in 2024, was a hot name on the market last offseason, but much to the dismay of Texans fans, Houston chose to stand pat. The Texans were able to address this need without having to give up an exorbitant amount in the trade as far as players and draft picks. If the Texans were to keep Jimmie Ward on the roster, he would serve as a great depth piece just in case they face the injury bug again. Even if they don’t, backup safety and special teams player MJ Stewart has been re-signed, and they can go that route as far as safety depth. In any case the Texans are set up with their roster, however they choose to address the depth of the position.
Texans Gave Up Very Little For a Good Return
The value that the Texans gave up to acquire C.J Gardner-Johnson was shockingly in the Houston’s favor. I’m still not sure how Nick Caserio was able to pull this trade off. Kenyon Green, the offensive guard who was traded to Philadelphia had little to no trade value, or so we thought. A player who Caserio took in the first round, really never found his footing with Houston. He dealt with injuries early in his NFL career, and finally had an opportunity to make a name for himself on the Texans offensive line in 2024. He struggled mightily, along with the rest of the unit. The spotlight was on Green because of the high draft capital the Texans spent on him. It was a nightmare of a year for him, which ended in a season ending shoulder injury he suffered in Week 9 against the Jets. The Texans dealt a 2026 5th round pick along with Green to acquire C.J Gardner-Johnson, and I have to say, it seems like a definite win for the Texans on paper. The results will speak for themselves on the field, but Texans fans should be very excited about what is to come with Gardner-Johnson manning the strong safety spot for Demeco’s defense.
