NFL free agency is in full swing, and the Philadelphia Eagles are revamping their roster that just won the Super Bowl. After signing Zack Baun and Saquon Barkley to contract extensions before free agency kicked off, the Eagles have lost multiple key contributors. Stud defensive linemen Josh Sweat and Milton Williams signed elsewhere on Monday. Oren Burks and Isaiah Rodgers also left in free agency while GM Howie Roseman traded QB Kenny Pickett to the Browns.
Yet, none of these moves were as surprising as what transpired on Tuesday morning. The Eagles sent shockwaves to its fanbase by unexpectedly moving on from another defensive starter. Polarizing safety CJ Gardner-Johnson, along with a 2026 sixth-round pick, was traded to the Houston Texans for offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
NFL News: Eagles Trade CJ Gardner-Johnson to the Texans
This comes as a major surprise because CJGJ was under contract for two more seasons after the Eagles signed him to a three-year, $27 million deal last offseason. After his one season in Detroit, the Eagles decided to bring him back, and Gardner-Johnson had his healthiest and most productive season as a pro. Per Pro Football Focus, the veteran safety had a 76.0 defensive grade while finishing with six interceptions, one forced fumble, and 35 solo tackles.
Yet, it was never about on-field production with Gardner-Johnson. He has consistently been involved in on and off-the-field drama throughout his career. Most recently, he had a public feud with recently released Eagles veteran Darius Slay, when he took offense to Slay's comments about leadership in Philadelphia.
Whether that controversy played a role in Howie Roseman's decision to trade CJGJ is unclear. What is perhaps an even bigger surprise, however, is the trade package the Eagles accepted. Kenyon Green has been one of the biggest disappointments in recent drafts. After being the 15th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Green has been among the worst offensive linemen in the league. He has ranked near the bottom in each of his healthy seasons on PFF, receiving 37.7 and 38.6 offensive grades, respectively.
What the Eagles will do with the draft picks they received remains to be seen, but they now have a hole at safety that they need to fill. Roseman's next moves will be fascinating to watch.