Free agent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson signed with the Baltimore Ravens on the practice squad, the team announced Tuesday.
The lack of experienced depth at safety has been an issue for a Ravens defense that has struggled mightily.
When Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton was sidelined Sunday with a groin injury, Baltimore started undrafted rookie Reuben Lowery in a 44-10 loss to the Houston Texans.
Gardner-Johnson could also help the Ravens even when Hamilton returns. By playing Gardner-Johnson deep with Malaki Starks, Hamilton can play closer to the line of scrimmage where he has made an impact in the past.
The Ravens released defensive tackle Josh Tupou from the practice squad in a corresponding move.
The Texans released Gardner-Johnson late last month after just three games.
The surprise move came after the Texans traded their 2022 first-round pick -- left guard Kenyon Green -- to the Philadelphia Eagles for Gardner-Johnson in March, hoping to add a ballhawk. Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions in 2024 for the Eagles in their march to the Super Bowl title.
Gardner-Johnson, however, struggled to pick up coach DeMeco Ryans' defensive scheme, which contributed to several big plays against the secondary for the Texans, who started 0-3.
Gardner-Johnson, 27, has 18 interceptions and 51 passes defended in his seven NFL seasons.
ESPN's Jamison Hensley and DJ Bien-Aime contributed to this report.
