The Houston Texans struck gold this offseason when they shipped Kenyon Green off to Philadelphia in exchange for do-it-all safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. It came as such a shock that even head coach DeMeco Ryans didn't think it was possible.
So, why? Why did the trade occur after Gardner-Johnson helped the Eagles hoist their first Lombardi Trophy since 2017? The long answer likely speaks to the development of talents like Cooper DeJean and Reed Blankenship as foundational options moving forward into 2025 and beyond.
The short answer? Money.
"Every dollar that you spend is a dollar less that you can spend on some of these younger players that maybe you want to retain," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said, according to NBC Sports Philadelphia. "Getting out in front of it was important to us. And again, hard decisions. Not asking anyone to agree with them, but that's part of our job."
With the Eagles having to pay lineback Zach Baun a new three-year deal, someone had to be the odd man out. They watched as Mekhi Becton, Milton Williams, and Josh Sweat all left in free agency, but the money saved still wasn't enough to extend running back Saquon Barkley.
Entering Gardner-Johnson, who signed a three-year deal last offseason to return to Philadelphia after spending a season with the Detroit Lions. Much like during his breakout 2022 campaign, the defensive back was a star, totaling six interceptions and 12 pass breakups in coverage.
As the Eagles looked to reset the market for several positions, CJGJ became expendable. After the Texans lost Eric Murray in free agency, they needed a safety and wanted to move on from Green, a former top-15 pick who never thrived on the offensive line. Last month, Houston agreed to send Green and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Eagles in exchange for the safety and a 2026 sixth-round selection.
#Texans coach DeMeco Ryans on impact of adding ballhawking safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson via trade from #Eagles@KPRC2pic.twitter.com/rJmiQQuKrG
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL)Save Story Topics in this Story
