The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense took another hit on Tuesday with the trade of C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans for guard Kenyon Green, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and D.J. Bien-Aim
The teams will also swap 2026 draft picks, with the Eagles picking up a fifth-rounder and the Texans acquiring a sixth-rounder. Gardner-Johnson confirmed he was headed out of Philly in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) thanking the city, the organization and the fans.
Gardner-Johnson wrote:
“You’ve been more than a city to me — you’ve been a home. From the moment I stepped onto Lincoln Financial, I knew I’d found a place where passion isn’t just celebrated; it’s demanded. And I gave everything, every snap, every hit, every ounce in my bones.
“This decision wasn’t mine, but I walk away proud of what we built together. Becoming a 2-time NFC champion and Super Bowl champion, the forced fumbles and game-sealing interceptions — those moments belong to US. You taught me that greatness isn’t just about highlights — it’s about clawing back, harder and fiercer, just like this city does every day.
“To my teammates: Brothers, we bled, cursed, and laughed through it all. To the coaches and front office: Thank you for trusting a kid from Florida with a chip on his shoulder to lead this defense. And to the Philly Faithful — you’re unmatched. You embraced my edge and fire, for this game even I got too hot.
“Philly, you helped me carve my name into this league. But this isn’t goodbye. It’s thank you :pray: :eagle:.
“FOREVER #8 IN YOUR CORNER, CJGJ.”
Gardner-Johnson had 59 tackles and six interceptions in 2024 and has picked off 13 passes over the past three seasons. He’ll replace Eric Murray, who signed a three-year, $22.5 million deal to join the Jacksonville Jaguars, in the Texans’ secondary.
Green has started 23 games in his NFL career. He’s a 2022 first-round pick who was selected by the Texans after Houston traded back from No. 13 to No. 15 in a deal with the Eagles.
On the first day of legal tampering in the NFL free-agent market, the Eagles’ defense saw Isaiah Rodgers move to the Minnesota Vikings, Josh Sweat sign with the Arizona Cardinals, Milton Williams head to the New England Patriots, Darius Slay Jr. likely signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers and James Bradberry IV likely released.
While the Eagles’ defense saw change, so too did the Texans’ offensive line with Green heading to Philadelphia, Laremy Tunsil dealt to the Washington Commanders and Shaq Mason released.
