qq. BREAKING: Former Super Bowl Champion Safety Turns Down Eagles Practice Squad to Join Cowboys Workout
Arlington, TX – October 17, 2025
In a surprising twist ahead of Week 7, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the fiery Super Bowl-winning safety, has reportedly turned down an offer to return to the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squadand instead chosen to join the Dallas Cowboys for a workout in Frisco, according to multiple league insiders.
A Stunning Turn of Events
Just months ago, Gardner-Johnson was viewed as one of the emotional leaders of theHouston Texans’ secondary after being traded from Philadelphia earlier this year. But his stint in Houston fell apart quickly following a series of internal disagreements and limited playing time. The Texans released him in early October, making him one of the top veteran safeties available on the market.
When the Eagles reached out to explore a possible reunion, Gardner-Johnson declined. Instead, he opted for the Cowboys — a team facing an injury crisis at safety and in desperate need of veteran help before Sunday’s matchup against the Commanders.
Why the Cowboys Make Sense
The Cowboys’ safety depth has been pushed to the brink. Malik Hooker and Markquese Bell are both on injured reserve, while Donovan Wilson (elbow) andJuanyeh Thomas (migraine) are questionable for Week 7. That leaves rookie Alijah Clark as the only fully healthy safety on the roster.
For Gardner-Johnson, this is an ideal situation: a clear path to meaningful snaps, and a defensive scheme underMatt Eberflus that emphasizes hybrid safeties who can blitz and cover in the slot — the same role where he thrived during the Eagles’ 2022 Super Bowl run.
A Cowboys team official told ESPN,“He brings attitude, leadership, and toughness. Right now, that’s exactly what this locker room needs.”
The Eagles’ Angle
Philadelphia’s interest in Gardner-Johnson was described as “exploratory,” limited to a practice-squad roledue to roster constraints and a long-term focus on developing Reed Blankenship, Cooper DeJean, and Sydney Brown.
But Gardner-Johnson — still only 27 — made it clear he’s not ready to be a backup or a developmental piece. By choosing Dallas, he’s betting on himself to reclaim a starting role immediately rather than waiting for an injury in Philadelphia to open a door.
An NFC personnel executive summed it up bluntly: “Philly wanted insurance. Dallas needs salvation. That’s the difference.”
Gardner-Johnson’s Fit in Dallas
Gardner-Johnson’s energy and edge could inject life into a defense that has struggled mightily since losingMicah Parsons in a midseason trade to Green Bay. His versatility — the ability to line up as a slot corner, box safety, or deep-field defender — fits perfectly in Eberflus’ flexible coverage packages.
Cowboys coaches have long admired Gardner-Johnson’s film from 2022, when he tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (6) and anchored a defense that ranked top-five in takeaways. If he proves he’s healthy and focused, the Cowboys are expected tooffer him a contract before Week 8.
A Fresh Start
For Gardner-Johnson, this move isn’t just about football — it’s about redemption. After being traded, injured, and released all within 18 months, he now has the chance to reassert his value with a team that truly needs him.
As one NFC East scout told FOX Sports, “C.J.’s got a chip on his shoulder again — and that’s usually when he’s at his best.”
If the workout goes as planned, C.J. Gardner-Johnson could join the Cowboys’ active roster by next week — a move that would not only bolster Dallas’ struggling secondary but also add a fiery layer of rivalry between the Cowboys and the Eagles.
Prediction: Expect Gardner-Johnson to sign with Dallas before Week 8. The Cowboys need leadership; C.J. Gardner-Johnson needs redemption. And in the NFL, that kind of desperation often sparks something special.
