Eagles trade C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Texans “solely for financial reasons”

This is pretty out of nowhere.

The Eagles are trading C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Texans for former first-round offensive guard Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick.

Philadelphia brought Gardner-Johnson back after releasing him in 2023 on a three-year deal in free agency. Both years he has been with the Eagles, they have gone to the Super Bowl.

CJGJ has 12 interceptions in those two seasons. While his personality could add some issues at times, he added tons of swagger to the Eagles’ defense. It was a big reason in which they brought him back this past offseason, and certainly assisted in their Super Bowl LIX crown.

The Eagles’ decision to trade Gardner-Johnson was made “solely for financial reasons,” per Jason Dumas on 6 ABC. While this move will not save the Eagles much cap room in 2025, it does free up some money down the line to keep this young core together.

Here was CJGJ’s farewell message to Philadelphia:

He exits Philadelphia a month after whipping a belt on the Ben Franklin Parkway and leading “BTA” chants atop the Art Museum, which feels very fitting.

The Eagles are going to need to make some additions to their secondary now. They lost Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers on Monday, along with Milton Williams and Josh Sweat as the legal tampering period opened.

Or, is the answer in-house?

The Eagles could give former third-round pick Sydney Brown a chance to compete for a starting spot next to Reed Blankenship, who is entering the final year of his contract. He showed some promise as a rookie in 2018, but tore his ACL in Week 18 and missed the start of 2024 before primarily being a special teamer. The Eagles also have Tristin McCollum and Lewis Cine on the roster. 

However, it would not be a shock if Howie Roseman goes out and makes a move for a safety.

Green was the 15th overall pick in 2022, but has not looked like it. Green missed the entire 2023 season with a shoulder injury, was benched in October of 2024, and now enters the final year of his rookie contract in 2025. But now, he enters Jeff Stoutland University, which means only good things.

With Mekhi Becton being a free agent, Green could fill in his role at right guard. However, Green has played only left guard in the NFL, which is a spot occupied by Landon Dickerson.

---

Use code PHILLYSPORTSREPORT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order

Click here to save 10% on any order at FOCO