Eagles Trade Controversial $27 Million Safety to AFC South

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Eagles Trade C.J. Gardner-Johnson to Texans in Surprise Move

The Philadelphia Eagles made a bold decision to shake up their secondary, trading star safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans. The deal, which also includes draft picks, signals a major shift for Philly’s defense heading into 2025.

Trade Details:

🔁 Eagles receive: OG Kenyon Green + 2025 fifth-round pick
🔁 Texans receive: C.J. Gardner-Johnson + 2026 sixth-round pick

Why Did Philly Move On?

Gardner-Johnson, one of the NFL’s most vocal and polarizing players, has been a key piece of the Eagles' secondary. He was a Super Bowl champion with Philly and led the league with six interceptions in 2022. However, his trash-talking reputation and frequent fines made him a controversial figure.

🗣️ NFL’s ‘Most Annoying Player’ – Voted by peers in an anonymous poll
💰 3-year, $27M contract – Eagles move on with two years remaining
🚨 13 career fines – Known for taunting, late hits, and on-field altercations

Eagles’ Next Move: Who Replaces Him?

With Gardner-Johnson gone, Philly now faces a major hole at safety.

✔️ Current Option: Undrafted safety Tristin McCollum (unlikely long-term answer)
✔️ Draft Target: Eagles could address the position in April
✔️ Free Agency: A mid-tier veteran signing seems likely

Texans Add a Playmaker to Their Defense

For Houston, this trade adds an elite ball hawk to a young, promising defense. Pairing Gardner-Johnson with Jalen Pitre gives the Texans one of the most aggressive secondaries in the league.