C.J. Gardner-Johnson is on the move once again, as the Philadelphia Eagles have traded the outspoken safety to the Houston Texans just weeks after their Super Bowl victory.
The deal sends Gardner-Johnson to Houston in exchange for former first-round pick Kenyon Green, a player widely labeled a draft bust after two underwhelming seasons.
This marks Gardner-Johnson’s second departure from Philadelphia.
He initially left the team following the 2022 season and criticized Eagles fans on his way out. After a brief stint with the Detroit Lions in 2023, he returned to the Eagles in 2024 and played a key role in their Super Bowl-winning run.
However, Gardner-Johnson made headlines off the field during the team’s victory parade, sparking backlash with a NSFW message aimed at Taylor Swift and her fanbase.
The safety wore a hoodie that read: “Swifties can LIX my b*lls” – a clear jab following the Eagles’ win over the Kansas City Chiefs, whose tight end Travis Kelce is in a high-profile relationship with Swift.
While Gardner-Johnson is known for his trash talk and aggressive demeanor on the field, the incident reportedly did little to endear him to Eagles brass.
Despite signing a three-year deal upon his return to Philadelphia, the 27-year-old has now been dealt to Houston, where he will join a young, ascending defense.
The Texans, coming off a playoff run of their own, hope Gardner-Johnson can bring leadership and versatility to their secondary.
In return, the Eagles acquire offensive guard Kenyon Green, a 2022 first-round selection who has struggled mightily in his NFL career.
Green allowed 12 pressures and five sacks in 2024 alone, and was benched multiple times throughout the season.
Still, with starting guard Mekhi Becton expected to depart in free agency, Green could get a second chance on one of the league’s top offensive lines.
Becton has reportedly drawn interest from several teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Texans, and Seattle Seahawks.
With the Eagles unlikely to match a lucrative offer, Green may have an opportunity to step in immediately.
Getting back to Gardner-Johnson, it’s safe to assume the Eagles’ decision to trade him had nothing to do with his anti-Swift messaging.
Gardner-Johnson is a player who loves to stir the pot both on and off the field. At the end of the day, he helped Philadelphia win a Super Bowl and now he’s off to yet another team.
What are your thoughts on the trade???
