Before the Texans nearly made it to the AFC Championship for the first time in franchise history, they started the year 0-3. Then, they shook things up by abruptly cutting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
It was a surprising move, especially since the Texans (who acquired Gardner-Johnson in a trade with the Eagles) made no effort to re-trade him. They simply cut ties with him.
The Texans never provided a clear explanation of why Gardner-Johnson, who had just won a Super Bowl in Philadelphia, needed to go. In a new interview with Tim Graham of The Athletic, Gardner-Johnson supplies his side of the story.
According to the player, things started to go sideways at training camp in West Virginia, after a confrontation with “the GM’s friend.”
“If y’all going to cut me, cut me,” Gardner-Johnson said. “But I’ll give nobody reasons to cut me. I haven’t. I don’t. I’m not a cancer. There’s nobody in this locker room that says, ‘Chauncey’s a problem.’ The media loves me. The only thing that’ll do it is something that triggers somebody that has a say in the building that can alter somebody else’s mind. That happens every time.
“That’s how I got [cut] in Houston. One person that’s not technically a part of the organization called me a B-word at Greenbrier. I get out my body; he says something to the GM, and the next thing I’m cut.”
The Texans declined to comment for Graham’s story. Still, the objective timeline doesn’t exactly support the effort to connect the training-camp incident to Gardner-Johnson’s release.
The Texans were at The Greenbrier from August 4 to August 7. The Texans cut him on September 23, a full 47 days after leaving West Virginia.
It had been reported that Gardner-Johnson struggled to learn the Houston defense, and that he “finger-pointed” in lieu of accepting responsibility for his mistakes. Another report indicated that the team had become exhausted by his complaints.
Whatever the reason for his exit from the Texans, Gardner-Johnson has never stayed in one place for very long. Picked by New Orleans in the fourth round of the 2019 draft, the Saints traded him to the Eagles after three seasons. After one year in Philly, he signed with the Lions. After one year with the Lions, he returned to the Eagles. After another year with the Eagles, he was traded to the Texans.
Cut after three games in Houston, Gardner-Johnson landed on the practice squad in Baltimore. One week later, the Ravens released him.
The Bears signed him in late October, and he finished 2025 in Chicago. Then, Gardner-Johnson signed with the Bills.
Seven seasons. Six departures. Gardner-Johnson can say it’s not him — and maybe it isn’t. Still, he’s made six exits in less than four calendar years (the Saints traded him to the Eagles on August 30, 2022).
On several occasions, Gardner-Johnson aired grievances after his departures. He called his year with the Lions “hell,” and he claimed he was “lied to.” He said the Eagles traded him after the team won Super Bowl LIX because they were “scared of a competitor.”
He complained to Graham about his week in Maryland: “They sign you in the middle of the night with the plan for you to play that week, then literally 14 hours later they trade for a safety and tell you, ‘Oh, we’re going to start him and keep you on the practice squad.’ I’m a Super Bowl champion!”
Despite his performance in 11 games with the Bears, Gardner-Johnson told Graham that he knew the Bears wouldn’t re-sign him.
“I’m a firecracker, but let’s take the body of work: never legally been in trouble; never physically harmed a person,” Gardner-Johnson said. “But I haven’t been a captain ever in my life. They say, ‘You gotta lead the right way.’ My definition of leading is winning. . . . There’s a lot of captains in this league — and I want this to come out — that’s just for jersey sales. I can show you three, four captains right now that I wouldn’t get behind. Why would I get behind anybody that doesn’t believe in himself? I’ve played for plenty of false captains, but I gotta fake it, like, ‘That’s my leader!’”
He knows that people already think the Bills will cut him. Bills GM Brandon Beane was nevertheless willing to roll the dice on Gardner-Johnson, after both doing the research on the player and making sure he understands the ground rules.
“We talked about just making sure, ‘You’ve got to be a good teammate,’” Beane said. “We don’t want any cheap shots in practice or anything like that. You want to keep it in between those lines, but you do want his edge.”
Implied in that message is that Beane concluded Gardner-Johnson has a reputation for not being a good teammate, and for taking cheap shots in practice.
So far, the Bills seem to like him. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonard calls Gardner-Johnson a player who “loves football,” and who “loves being in the building.”
The challenge isn’t to be in the building. The challenge is to stay in the building. Gardner-Johnson vows that he will.
“I’m going to win the next two out of three Super Bowls,” he told Graham. “How? Look where they placed me at. Look who’s my quarterback. If I got a fucking fighting chance, it’s over with.”
Frankly, that’s the kind of fire the underachieving Bills need from their new “firecracker” safety. And maybe it’ll be enough to have a “C” on Gardner-Johnson’s jersey when he walks onto the field for Buffalo’s Week 1 game at, yes, the Texans.
Lions Clips
Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold made his initial court appearance on Thursday on armed robbery and kidnapping charges.
Judge J. Logan Murphy ruled that Arnold will remain in custody until a pre-trial detention hearing is held on Monday, June 29.
Arnold faces three counts of armed robbery, three counts of kidnapping, one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
In court, Arnold’s lawyer said that he “is absolutely denying” the allegations.
Judge Murphy explained that, because he has been arrested on six first-degree felonies that are categorized as “dangerous crimes” and carry a sentence of life in prison, he will remain in jail until Monday’s hearing.
On Monday, prosecutors will ask that Arnold remain in custody until the trial of the case. Obviously, if the motion is granted, Arnold would potentially miss some, most, or all of the 2026 season.
Previously, Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold denied involvement in the alleged robbery and kidnapping arising from an effort to recover property stolen from a house he rented in Florida. Now that Arnold has been arrested and will be charged with multiple felonies, a representative has issued a statement on Arnold’s behalf.
“Terrion Arnold categorically denies any involvement in the matters underlying the allegations made against him and maintains his innocence,” Denise White of EAG Sports Management said, via Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. “There is no credible evidence linking Mr. Arnold to these allegations. Instead, the government appears to be relying on testimony from multiple convicted felons who have admitted their own involvement and may have substantial incentives to shift blame in an effort to lessen their sentences. . . . Mr. Arnold looks forward to his day in court and is confident that the judicial process will lead to his ultimate vindication.”
Arnold was arrested after two of the five other defendants in the case agreed to a plea deal on Wednesday.
The State Attorney’s Office in Hillsborough County, Florida, intends to request that Arnold remain jailed until the case goes to trial.
From the moment a story surfaced that two men with ties to Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold had been arrested on robbery and kidnapping charges, it seemed that Arnold eventually could be implicated.
Arnold has now officially been implicated.
The Hillsborough County, Florida, State Attorney’s Office announced on Wednesday night that it “will file charges against Detroit Lions player Terrion Arnold following his arrest in connection with a February robbery and kidnapping in Tampa.”
Also from the announcement: “Arnold is facing multiple felony charges which carry a potential sentence of up to life in prison.”
Via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press, the arrest came hours after two defendants in the case agreed to plea deals.
The Lions addressed the situation in a statement released on Wednesday night.
“We are aware of the legal situation regarding Terrion Arnold,” the team said. “We will not comment at this time out of respect for the ongoing legal process.”
Arnold previously denied wrongdoing in connection with the case.
The issue first came to light when a detective testified in a hearing on charges against Lyndell Hudson and Christion Williams regarding their ties to Arnold. The men had been arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping in connection with an apparent attempt to recover property that allegedly had been stolen from a Florida home rented by Arnold.
Arnold had reported the items missing to the Largo Police Department. The authorities contend that, within hours after making the report, Arnold orchestrated the kidnapping and robbery in an effort to recover the stolen property: watches, jewelry, designer bags and shoes, a cell phone, and an estimated $100,000 in cash.
Hudson, Williams, and Freddie Hughes face life sentences on similar charges. Two other defendants — Arianna Del Valle and Jasmine Randazzo — agreed to plea deals on Wednesday.
The Lions previously said that they did not believe Arnold was involved in the crime.
“We got all the information that says he wasn’t involved. That’s what we know, that’s all we know, and that’s really all I can say,” coach Dan Campbell said at the annual league meetings. “As far as I know it’s not a big deal. It seems like he still wasn’t involved with this.”
Team president Rod Wood previously told the Detroit Free Press that Arnold “was in my office the day after the allegations came out” and was “grilled” about what happened.
The State Attorney’s Office said it intends to file a pretrial motion aimed at keeping Arnold in jail until trial, claiming that “he remains a danger to the community.”
Arnold was a first-round pick of the Lions in 2024.
Having won his first MVP award in 2025, quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off a year where he played some of the best football of his career.
But Stafford, who turned 38 in February, is clearly on the back nine of his career — if not the proverbial final few holes.
There was speculation that Stafford could retire after the 2025 season, but he put that to rest in his MVP acceptance speech. He and the Rams are now comfortable going year-to-year as it relates to Stafford continuing his career.
As Stafford gets older, he’s consulted with some of his former peers about potentially playing into his 40s: Tom Brady and Drew Brees.
He addressed that in a recent interview with Chris Long’s Green Light podcast.
“I talked to [Brady] a little bit, I’ve talked to Drew Brees a little bit about it as well,” Stafford said. “It is year-to-year because I think it’s fair to the team, I think it’s fair to me, my family — I don’t want to sit there and say, OK, 24 months from now, I’ve got to be ready to play another football season. I’m like, phew, that just seems like a lot. I know that I’m ready to play this year. And hopefully, I feel great at the end of next year, and I’m ready to play another one after that. And then maybe we just kind of keep going like that. But, committing to more than that feels a little bit daunting. And I think a little bit unfair to the team and myself.
“So, the last thing I want to do is sign some five-year extension, and after one year be like, ‘Oh man, I’m ready to retire. I want to spend time with my family.’ And they’re sitting there with four years on the books and had a bunch of planning done that I was going to be around. I don’t want to play football not all the way in it, too, and just be half-assed leading it.”
Stafford added that the Rams’ brass has been great about the situation.
“But, yeah, I don’t know,” Stafford said. “I don’t know how far I want to play. I know I’m excited about playing this year and then we’ll see after that.”
Stafford added that he’s spent time talking with Brady in each of the last two offseasons. But one of his most notable conversations with Brees happened last year.
“I think one of the things that surprised me is, I was talking to Drew — this was before last season — and he was like, ‘How old are you, again?’ I was like, ‘I’m 37.’ He’s like, ‘You might have your best five years of your career coming up.’ And I was like, ‘Huh,’” Stafford said. “I never really thought about it that way. You’re taught as a player in this league it’s a young man’s game and the older you get, you’re just kind of doing everything you can to try to stay up to par with everybody else. And Drew saying that kind of lit a fire under me, and it give you a little bit of belief that maybe an old guy can go out there and spin it around a little bit.
“Obviously, last year was a successful year for our team and for myself. And just gives you a little bit of energy moving forward and hope that that continues.”
Stafford completed 65 percent of his passes last season, leading the league with 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns while throwing just eight interceptions. In the postseason, Stafford completed 55.5 percent of his throws for 936 yards with six touchdowns and one pick in three games.
Several UFL players already have found new homes in the NFL. Others are still searching.
The UFL announced six players with NFL tryouts scheduled.
DC Defenders linebackers Micah Baskerville and Curtis Jacobs, along with DC Defenders running back Deon Jackson, will work out for the Cowboys.
DC Defenders wide receiver Cornell Powell will tryout for the Lions.
DC Defenders linebacker Brandon Smith has a workout with the Bears, and Louisville Knights defensive end Xavier Carlton will work out for the Falcons.
There are several NFL teams that have taken notice of UFL players, bringing them onto their 90-man rosters.
As noted by the UFL on Tuesday, so far 23 players who played in the league this spring have been signed to NFL rosters.
The Lions have brought in the most UFL players, having signed four.
The Falcons, Cowboys, and Saints have each signed three players. The Bears, Broncos, Dolphins, and Eagles have signed two each, with the Bills and Steelers bringing in one.
Receiver has also been the most popular position for NFL teams, with the group accounting for 10 of the 23 signings. There have been four defensive backs, three defensive ends, and two offensive linemen signed.
The Lions have announced their schedule of open practices for this summer’s training camp.
Five of their sessions will be open to the general public. The first of those practices will be on August 3 and the others will be held on August 4, August 6, August 10, and August 19.
The Lions will also have four practices open to their Lions Loyal Members. They will be held on August 2, August 7, and August 16-17.
In addition to those practices, the Lions will hold a community partner day on August 11. They plan to host 3,000 guests from community partnerships that focus on the development of youth education.
The Lions think they have as good a pair of safeties as any team in the NFL when Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch are both healthy. Right now, neither is. And that’s why free agent addition Chuck Clark is so important.
The 31-year-old Clark, who signed with the Lions in March, isn’t on the same level as a healthy Joseph or Branch, but he is a veteran who has played well enough in stints with the Ravens, Jets and Steelers that the Lions think they can count on him for both depth and leadership.
Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said “leader, leader, leader,” when asked about Clark’s contributions to the defense.
“When Chuck’s on the field, you know where the safety is, you know what the check is, you know what the communication is. And that’s vital and important,” Sheppard said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “You talk about explosive plays, well, that’s the No. 1 component to limiting those, making sure we’re all on the same page. And that’s something – take ability aside, Chuck Clark on the field there’s rarely to never a mistake or a [mental error] with the back end. And that’s because everybody knows who’s in charge because he makes it known.”
It’s fair to ask, however, whether Clark is still the same player he once was. He missed all of 2023 with a knee injury and missed time in 2024 and 2025 as well.
“When it comes to athletic ability, can he still do certain things? That’s still yet to be seen, and training camp will allow us that, those four- to five-week period to see what he’s still capable of doing,” Sheppard said. “But from everything I’ve seen so far, this is the player I saw on tape, previous to his career, but more importantly the leadership has been outstanding from that player.”
That’s what the Lions need, especially if Joseph and Branch aren’t ready to start the season.
The offseason programs around the league have largely wrapped up for 2026, with players and coaches around the league now experiencing some time off.
But training camps are just a few weeks away from opening.
The NFL announced the camp report dates for all 32 teams on Monday, with the first ones opening up in less than a month.
Below are the camp locations and report dates:
Arizona Cardinals: State Farm Stadium | Rookies: 7/22 | Veterans 7/22
Atlanta Falcons: Atlanta Falcons Training Facility | Rookies: 7/24 | Veterans: 7/28
Baltimore Ravens: Under Armour Performance Center | Rookies: 7/24 | Veterans: 7/28
Buffalo Bills: St. John Fisher University | Rookies: 7/21 | Veterans: 7/28
Carolina Panthers: Bank of America Stadium | Rookies: 7/21 | Veterans: 7/22
Chicago Bears: Halas Hall | Rookies: 7/25 | Veterans: 7/28
Cincinnati Bengals: Paycor Stadium | Rookies: 7/25 | Veterans: 7/28
Cleveland Browns: CrossCountry Mortgage Campus | Rookies: 7/23 | Veterans: 7/28
Dallas Cowboys: Marriott Residence Inn Oxnard | Rookies: 7/28 | Veterans: 7/28
Denver Broncos: Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit | Rookies: 7/22 | Veterans: 7/28
Detroit Lions: Meijer Performance Center | Rookies: 7/25 | Veterans: 7/28
Green Bay Packers: Lambeau Field | Rookies: 7/27 | Veterans: 7/28
Houston Texans: Houston Methodist Training Center | Rookies: 7/21 | Veterans: 7/28
Indianapolis Colts: Grand Park | Rookies: 7/27 | Veterans: 7/28
Jacksonville Jaguars: Miller Electric Center | Rookies: 7/25 | Veterans: 7/28
Kansas City Chiefs: Missouri Western State University | Rookies: 7/28 | Veterans: 7/28
Las Vegas Raiders: Intermountain Health Performance Center | Rookies: 7/23 | Veterans: 7/28
Los Angeles Chargers: The Bolt | Rookies: 7/23 | Veterans: 7/28
Los Angeles Rams: Loyola Marymount University | Rookies: 7/25 | Veterans: 7/25
Miami Dolphins: Baptist Health Training Complex | Rookies: 7/21 | Veterans: 7/28
Minnesota Vikings: TCO Performance Center | Rookies: 7/26 | Veterans: 7/28
New England Patriots: New Balance Athletics Center | Rookies: 7/21 | Veterans: 7/24
New Orleans Saints: Ochsner Sports Performance Center | Rookies: 7/28 | Veterans: 7/28
New York Giants: Quest Diagnostics Training Center/The Greenbrier | Rookies: 7/23 | Veterans: 7/28
New York Jets: Athletic Health Jets Training Center | Rookies: 7/25 | Veterans: 7/28
Philadelphia Eagles: Jefferson Health Training Complex | Rookies: 7/28 | Veterans: 7/28
Pittsburgh Steelers: Saint Vincent College | Rookies: 7/28 | Veterans: 7/28
San Francisco 49ers: SAP Performance Facility | Rookies: 7/18 | Veterans: 7/25
Seattle Seahawks: Virginia Mason Athletic Center | Rookies: 7/17 | Veterans: 7/24
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: AdventHealth Training Center | Rookies: 7/27 | Veterans: 7/28
Tennessee Titans: Vanderbilt Health Football Center | Rookies: 7/23 | Veterans: 7/28
Washington Commanders: Commanders Park | Rookies: 7/24 | Veterans: 7/28
