Eagles trade Gardner-Johnson to Texans, Acquire Green in Surprise Move
PHILADELPHIA — In a stunning move, the Philadelphia Eagles have traded safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans, acquiring offensive guard Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick in return. The Texans will also receive a 2026 sixth-round pick.The trade, announced tuesday, marks the second consecutive day of significant roster changes for the Eagles.
Eagles Send CJ Gardner-Johnson to Houston
Gardner-Johnson’s departure comes just a year after the Eagles re-signed him in free agency. This marks the fourth time in Gardner-Johnson’s career that a team has moved on from him, raising questions about potential behind-the-scenes issues.
According to sources, a key factor in trading Gardner-Johnson was freeing up cap space to possibly extend other core players’ contracts. The move also opens the door for former third-round pick Sydney Brown to compete for a starting safety role alongside Reed Blankenship.
The trade creates $4.7 million in dead money while freeing up a minimal $211,000 in cap space.
Eagles Acquire Kenyon Green: A Risky Investment?
Kenyon Green, a former first-round pick (15th overall) in the 2022 NFL Draft, has struggled to live up to expectations thus far. His performance has been underwhelming, with poor rankings from Pro Football Focus in both 2022 and 2024, sandwiching a missed 2023 season due to a shoulder injury.
The Eagles are hoping that offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland can revitalize Green’s career. The plan is to potentially move Green to right guard, where he woudl compete with Tyler Steen for the starting position.
Safety Position in Flux: Who Will Start for the Eagles?
With Gardner-johnson gone, the Eagles now have a void at the starting safety position. Sydney Brown is currently the leading candidate to fill that role.Other options on the roster include Lewis Cine, Tristin McCollum, and Andre’ Sam. The Eagles may also consider signing a free agent safety or drafting one in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Looking Ahead: A “Different” Offseason Strategy?
The trade has drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning the value the Eagles received. However, the move could be part of a larger, more unconventional offseason strategy hinted at by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman.
How does this trade reflect the Eagles’ overall beliefs and strategy for building a championship team in the coming years?
Eagles Trade Gardner-Johnson too Texans, Acquire Green in Surprise Move – Q&A
Key Questions Answered:
Q: Why did the eagles trade C.J. Gardner-Johnson?
A: The Eagles aimed to free up cap space, possibly to extend contracts for other key players. This move also opens a starting opportunity for Sydney Brown at safety.
Q: What did the Eagles receive in return for Gardner-Johnson?
A: The Eagles acquired offensive guard Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round draft pick from the Texans. The Texans also received a 2026 sixth-round pick.
Q: Who is Kenyon Green, and why is this a “risky investment?”
A: kenyon Green is a former first-round pick who has underperformed and missed a season due to injury. The Eagles are betting on their offensive line coach to revitalize his career.
Q: Who will start at safety for the Eagles now that Gardner-Johnson is gone?
A: Sydney Brown is the leading candidate, with Lewis Cine, Tristin McCollum, and Andre’ Sam also in contention. The Eagles may also look to free agency or the draft.
Q: what are the financial implications of the trade?
A: The trade creates $4.7 million in dead money for the Eagles, while only freeing up a minimal $211,000 in cap space.
Q: Why trade Gardner-Johnson after recently re-signing him?
A: The Eagles are willing to take short-term financial hits to make strategic moves for future flexibility, and also had to consider the number of times gardner-johnson has been traded as a factor of the decision.
Q: What’s the Eagles’ plan for Kenyon Green?
A: The Eagles are hoping to move Green to right guard, where he’ll compete with Tyler Steen for the starting spot.
Q: What’s the Eagles’ strategy moving forward?
A: The trade may be a part of a larger, more unconventional offseason strategy, hinted at by Eagles general manager Howie Roseman.
Did you know? This is the fourth time Gardner-Johnson has been traded in his career.
Stay tuned as the Eagles’ offseason strategy unfolds!
