Kevin Conner is Gardner-Johnson’s agent. He described his client’s release as an “amicable mutual decision” after the Ravens acquired a safety.

Gardner-Johnson started the season in Houston, but after being released from the Texans due to reported locker room problems, despite having played the first three games of the team. On October 7, the Ravens signed him as a third safety in order to improve their secondary.

In the Odafe Oweh deal with the Chargers, the Ravens acquired Alohi Gillman the next day. Gilman, said defensive coordinator Zach Orr took all reps in practice this past week. This made it clear to Baltimore that Gardner-Johnson wasn’t in their immediate plans. He wasn’t elevated for the Sunday game against Rams, and requested his release several days later. He was let go by the Ravens who usually try to accommodate requests like this.

Gardner-Johnson wants to play, and that’s understandable. However, he stated last week that The Baltimore Sun was “his only choice.” After Week 6, he must have changed his mind.

Gardner-Johnson could only play in Baltimore if he was injured or had a dime role. This would not have been possible until Week 8, and many teams need immediate help. It would be ironic if the Chargers were to choose Gardner-Johnson, but Jesse Minter is happy with his depth at safety. Gardner-Johnson could be a good fill-in for other teams that are suffering from injuries or bad play in the secondary.