The Green Bay Packers are adding veteran experience to one of the youngest safety rooms in the NFL — and they’re doing it in style.
Two days after being released by the Ravens, a former Super Bowl champion playmaker is heading north to Green Bay.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the fiery defensive back known for his swagger and versatility, has turned down an offer to rejoin the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad to join the Packers for a workout.
Sources confirmed the decision Wednesday night, calling it “a culture fit move” rather than a desperation signing — a sign that Green Bay is looking to blend leadership into its young secondary.
The Packers’ safety group has been impressive but extremely young. Star free safety Xavier McKinney anchors the unit, while rookies Evan Williams, Javon Bullard, and Kitan Oladapo have carried a heavy load through six weeks.
Despite no active injuries, Green Bay’s secondary lacks a veteran voice in pressure situations. Gardner-Johnson brings seven seasons of experience, 18 career interceptions, and a reputation for energy and toughness.
The 27-year-old was a pivotal part of the Eagles’ Super Bowl run in 2022, tying for the league lead with six interceptions — and earning respect as one of football’s top playmaking safeties.
His addition could give defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley more flexibility in nickel and hybrid packages, areas where the young safeties have occasionally struggled with pre-snap communication.
Green Bay’s defense ranks top 10 overall but has shown vulnerability on explosive plays — an area Gardner-Johnson’s instincts could immediately help.
When asked about his decision to turn down Philadelphia, he explained:
“Green Bay feels different. It’s young, hungry, and built on trust. I’ve played in a lot of locker rooms — this one has a soul, and that’s why I’m here.”
For the Packers, this workout isn’t about filling a hole — it’s about adding fire to a team with playoff ambitions and a growing defensive identity.
If the workout goes well, Gardner-Johnson could soon find himself reunited with another NFC powerhouse
Steelers Get Bad News on Two Starters After Win Over Vikings
Dublin, Ireland – The Pittsburgh Steelers walked away with a crucial win against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 4, but the celebration didn’t last long. Instead of enjoying a statement victory overseas, the locker room was clouded by injury news surrounding two key starters.
Late in the third quarter, cornerback Jalen Ramsey limped off the field after chasing Jordan Addison deep down the sideline. He grabbed at his hamstring before entering the blue tent for evaluation. Trainers later had him on the sideline bike to stay warm, a small but encouraging sign he may have avoided something serious.
Ramsey’s injury is especially concerning because the Steelers have already been without Joey Porter Jr., sidelined since Week 1 with a hamstring strain. Darius Slay also briefly exited earlier in the game, making the secondary dangerously thin against one of the league’s top passing offenses.
Before leaving, Ramsey had three tackles and appeared to scoop a Jordan Mason fumble for a touchdown, only for the score to be overturned on review. His presence has been central to Pittsburgh’s defensive turnaround, logging every defensive snap through the first three weeks.
On the offensive side, wide receiver Calvin Austin III became the second casualty of the night. Early in the second half, he hauled in a short pass from Aaron Rodgers before landing awkwardly on his shoulder. After being checked in the blue tent, he was escorted to the locker room and did not return.
Austin’s absence could loom large. Emerging as Rodgers’ No. 2 target behind DK Metcalf, he had already totaled 139 yards and two touchdowns through three games. His game-winning grab against the Patriots in Week 3 cemented his role as one of the offense’s rising playmakers.
Depth at wide receiver is now under a microscope. Without Austin, second-year Roman Wilson may be pressed into a bigger role, alongside veterans Ben Skowronek and Scotty Miller. Practice-squad addition Isaiah Hodgins could also be elevated if the injury lingers.
The Steelers leave Dublin with a win and a 3-1 record, but the costs are mounting. With the secondary stretched thin and Rodgers potentially missing one of his most trusted weapons, head coach Mike Tomlin and GM Omar Khan face tough decisions in the weeks ahead.