The Baltimore Ravens have made a move that has turned heads across the NFL, signing veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson to their practice squad, according to reports from NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The move, while not yet a major roster shake-up, could become one of the most significant defensive depth additions of the 2025 season. Gardner-Johnson, known for his fiery competitiveness and playmaking ability, brings leadership, attitude, and experience to a Ravens secondary that has battled through injuries and inconsistency.
For the Ravens, this signing represents a strategic reinforcement of their defensive backfield as the team continues its push for AFC dominance. Baltimore’s secondary has long been the backbone of its defense, but the demanding schedule and physical toll of the season have tested its depth. Adding Gardner-Johnson, even to the practice squad, gives the Ravens flexibility, insurance, and a potential future starter ready to step in when needed.
Gardner-Johnson, 27, has already established himself as one of the most versatile defensive backs in the league. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2019, he quickly earned a reputation for his aggressive style of play and his ability to line up anywhere in the secondary — whether in the slot, at safety, or in hybrid coverage roles. Later stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions showcased his ability to adapt to different defensive systems while remaining a spark plug on and off the field.
Perhaps most notably, Gardner-Johnson was a key piece of the Eagles’ 2022 Super Bowl run, leading the team in interceptions and setting the tone for a defense that thrived on takeaways. His combination of physicality, instincts, and football IQ make him a unique asset — one capable of changing the momentum of a game with a single play.
For Baltimore, a team that prides itself on defensive excellence, Gardner-Johnson’s arrival fits the Ravens’ identity perfectly. Head coach John Harbaugh has built his program on toughness, versatility, and discipline — traits Gardner-Johnson embodies when at his best. While the move to the practice squad may seem modest, it offers the Ravens time to evaluate his health and fit within their defensive schemes before possibly promoting him to the active roster.
There’s also a deeper strategic layer to this signing. The AFC North has evolved into one of the most physical and competitive divisions in football, featuring elite quarterbacks and dynamic receivers. The Ravens’ defense must be sharp week in and week out, and depth in the secondary has never been more crucial. Gardner-Johnson’s experience and adaptability could prove invaluable down the stretch, particularly in key matchups against rivals like the Bengals and Browns.
For Gardner-Johnson, this is a chance to reassert himself as a top defensive back in the league. After dealing with injuries that slowed his momentum, this opportunity with Baltimore could serve as a career reset — a proving ground to showcase that his energy, toughness, and leadership still belong at the highest level.
In a league where small moves can lead to massive payoffs, the Ravens’ decision to bring in C.J. Gardner-Johnson could turn out to be one of those under-the-radar signings that pay big dividends come playoff time. If he returns to form, Baltimore’s defense just got a whole lot scarier.
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