C.J. Gardner-Johnson is changing homes for a third straight offseason.
The Eagles are sending the safety to the Houston Texans in exchange for guard Kenyon Green, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday. Philadelphia will also send a 2026 sixth-round pick to Houston in exchange for a 2026 fifth-round choice.
In what can be considered a mutually beneficial trade, Philadelphia is sending Houston a safety with significant experience, proven production and versatility to reinforce its secondary and help replace Eric Murray, who agreed to a deal with the Jaguars. In return, they're taking a swing at a former first-round pick in Green, who did not meet expectations during his time in Houston and could use a fresh start elsewhere.
It wouldn't be the first time the Eagles have given a first-round disappointment a second chance and reaped the rewards. In 2024, offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland turned former first-round pick Mekhi Becton into a surprisingly effective guard, and it seems the venerated teacher of dancing bears sees potential to do the same with Green.
Fresh off a Super Bowl victory, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman isn't resting on his laurels, recognizing Philadelphia's youth in its secondary allowed him the flexibility to move the 27-year-old Gardner-Johnson while he carried value in the trade market. With Becton currently testing the free-agent market, Roseman didn't wait around to find a replacement candidate, adding Green at a low cost with the belief the former top pick still has plenty of potential.