According to Houston Texans reporter Aaron Wilson, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson suffered a serious right leg injury at Texans practice. C.J. Gardner-Johnson sustained the injury while tackling receiver John Metchie III and was carted off the field. While the severity of the injury is not yet confirmed, early reports suggest it could be serious, though thankfully not season-ending serious. The Texans now potentially face a major setback at safety and may look to the free agent and trade market for a replacement. While they do have internal options such as M.J. Stewart and Russ Yeast, they may still look to add a veteran presence. Here are some veteran safety options Houston could explore if Gardner-Johnson misses significant time.
Texans Potential Safety Options After C.J. Gardner-Johnson Hurt In Practice
Free Agent Options
Justin Simmons – The two-time Pro Bowler remains available and wants to join a contender. Simmons is one of the NFL’s most respected veteran safeties. Last season in Atlanta, he proved he can still produce. He recorded two interceptions, 36 solo tackles, and seven passes defensed in 16 games. His instincts, leadership, and ball skills would instantly help stabilize a young Houston secondary featuring Derick Stingley Jr, Jalen Pitre, Kamari Lassiter, and Calen Bullock.
Jordan Whitehead – Similar to Gardner-Johnson, Whitehead is a hard-hitting safety known for his physicality. He’s coming off an injury-riddled 2024 season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which led to his release as a cap casualty. Despite the down year, he’s still only 28 and brings proven production and experience. His best season came in 2023 with the Jets, when he totaled four interceptions, nine pass breakups, and 65 solo tackles. A Super Bowl champion with Tampa Bay in 2021, Whitehead offers leadership and toughness that would make him a strong veteran option for the Texans.
Trade Options:
Damontae Kazee (CLE) – The 32-year-old safety signed with the Cleveland Browns in May to provide depth in the secondary. Kazee spent the last three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and is known for his physicality and veteran presence. He gained attention in 2023 after a suspension sidelined him for the final three games following a hit on Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. A former fifth-round pick by the Falcons in 2017, Kazee has totaled 17 interceptions, 24 pass breakups, and 363 tackles in his career. The Texans could target him as a low-cost, tough veteran who brings experience and physicality to their secondary.
Jaylinn Hawkins (NE) – The New England Patriots are already deep at safety with Kyle Dugger, Jabrill Peppers, and Marcus Epps. Hawkins started seven games last year and held up well in his playing time. The former fourth-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons began his career on special teams and worked his way into a rotational safety role with starting experience. He’s a versatile player who can line up deep or drop into the box to stop the run. The Texans could take a chance on the 27-year-old, who has starting upside and would come at a very low cost.
Longer Shot:
Darnell Savage Jr /Andrew Wingard (JAX) – The Jacksonville Jaguars used their third-round pick this year on safety Caleb Ransaw and signed veteran Eric Murray in free agency. They also have Andre Wingard on the roster. With these additions, either Wingard or Darnell Savage Jr. could be pushed out. Both are 28 years old and would bring veteran experience to the Texans’ safety unit without breaking the bank. While a trade is unlikely given the divisional rivalry, it remains a possibility if Jacksonville is willing to make a deal.
Main Image: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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