Jerry Jones should be getting on the phone to thank the Houston Texans for the gift they just gave them. With the shocking news of defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson's release (h/t @RapSheet), the door is wide open for the Dallas Cowboys to make a move.
The Texans chose to part ways with the 27-year-old after just three weeks into the season. Although that usually spells red flags, the Cowboys would be foolish not to make a run at him, given their glaring needs in the secondary.
Cowboys Must Make a Run at DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson
The Cowboys' defensive back situation is far from impressive. Gardner-Johnson would be an improvement over both incumbent starters, Donovan Wilson and Malik Hooker, and it isn't as if depth names like Markquese Bell and Juanyeh Thomas are much better.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys are still navigating cornerback DaRon Bland's absence, while Trevon Diggs hasn't exactly looked much like his old self.
Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus' unit has given up 92 points in the first three weeks of the season, and the Cowboys also rank dead last in passing yards given up per game at a whopping 288.0. They can't stop the pass, and give up big play after big play.
On top of being a former Super Bowl champion who's just 27 years old and has a strong track record, Gardner-Johnson would give the Cowboys the type of versatile DB they could deploy all over the secondary due to his experience as a safety and cornerback.
More than that, he's also quite familiar with the NFC East and its playmakers. He played for the Philadelphia Eagles twice before being sent to the AFC South in exchange for guard Kenyon Green this offseason.
Gardner-Johnson's Character Could Be an Issue
As exciting as a signing would be for America's Team, the former Super Bowl champion also comes with some baggage. He made some incendiary comments after his trade from the Eagles, and NFL insider Aaron Wilson revealed that he was also becoming a distraction in the locker room in Houston:
"Among the issues Texans experienced behind the scenes with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, per sources, he was critical of teammates in the secondary and didn't like his role. It was a locker room issue, and ultimately, this just wasn't a good fit for the team and for a talented player," Wilson reported.
The Cowboys' defensive coordinator doesn't call blitzes as often, and unless they can reach some sort of compromise, he might not be much happier with his role in Arlington. Still, if Gardner-Johnson can put that desire for more blitzes to the side, joining Dallas could be a mutually beneficial decision that gets his career back on track.