It’s been a busy couple of days for the Philadelphia Eagles, but the frantic free agency frenzy has only just started. On Tuesday morning, it was reported that the team would be sending veteran Safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the Texans in exchange for Kenyon Green (OL) and a pick swap in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Eagles trade Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the Texans
This move comes as a huge surprise. Gardner-Johnson returned to Philadelphia this year after a brief hiatus and played a key role in the asencsion of an otherwise young secondary. A vocal leader on the field, CJGJ was beloved by fans, recording a career-high 6 interceptions in 2024 along with 59 tackles, 12 pass breakups and 2 tackles for a loss.
He was on the books for around $3M in 2025 – hardly an extortionate price for a performing veteran.
The Eagles do have a young candidate in Sydney brown who they could believe to be ready to step up to the plate alongside Reed Blankenship in 2025. Investing in younger talent with contractual flexibility does feel like it fits Howie’s blueprint to keep his roster competitive.
What do the Eagles get in return?
In exchange for CJGJ, the Eagles notably received Kenyon Green, who was the 15th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. Since then, his career has not been overly prolific, with the guard amassing a measly 38.2 PFF pass-blocking grade in nearly 600 pass-blocking snaps last year.
Green was a starter during his rookie year before a shoulder injury cost him his 2023 season. His return in 2024 was far from impressive, but at 6’4, 325 lbs, he certainly has the size and physical tools to make a difference on the interior.
We all remember what Jeff Stoutland was able to do with Mekhi Becton this past offseason, and this move could well be an insurance policy for if they beleive the former first-round pick to depart in the coming weeks. If not, added depth along the offensive line is never a bad thing, and Stout might well see something he likes in Green.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
