In a surprising roster move, the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to trade veteran safety and former Florida Gators star C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive guard Kenyon Green. As part of the deal, the teams will also swap draft picks, with the Eagles receiving a 2026 fifth-round pick while the Texans get a 2026 sixth-rounder.
Gardner-Johnson, 27, has been a key playmaker in the Eagles' secondary, recording six interceptions in both the 2022 and 2024 seasons. The Texans were second to last in interceptions in 2024. And with Houston having a vacancy at safety after losing Eric Murray to the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency, adding Gardner-Johnson was a move that mad sense from their end to fit alongside Jimmie Ward and Jalen Pitre.
For Philadelphia, the trade bolsters the offensive line with the addition of Green, a former first-round pick. Drafted 15th overall in 2022, Green has struggled. After missing the entire 2023 season due to a shoulder injury, he started nine games in 2024 before being benched. The Eagles are betting that their offensive line coach, Jeff Stoutland, can help Green reach his potential.
The move is a shift for Philadelphia. With both Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship up for contract extensions, the vibe seems to be that the Eagles wanted fincancial flexibility rather than overpay.
Meanwhile, the Texans continue to reshape their offensive line after also dealing left tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders. With back-to-back playoff appearances, Houston appears determined to make a deeper postseason run in 2025.
Gardner-Johnson played for the Florida Gators from 2016 thorugh 2018, appearing in virtually every game hs was on the roster during his three years in Gainesville. After the 2018 season he declared for the NFL Draft and was picked by New Orelans in the 4th round.