New Orleans Saints commercial quarterback CJ Gardner Johnson to the Philadelphia Eagles has shocked many. But according to one report, it had to happen.
On August 30, the day of the NFL’s downgrade deadline, the New Orleans Saints made a somewhat shocking decision. They decided to trade safety CJ Gardner-Johnson and the 2025 seventh-round pick for the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the 2023 fifth-round pick and the 2024 sixth-round pick. The move made Philadelphia’s active performer much better. But why would the saints give up their gifted defense?
According to Nick Underhill of the New Orleans Football team (subscription required)The Saints announced that they would not re-sign Gardner Johnson “on his terms”. Not only that, but Underhill reported that Gardner Johnson “stopped training”.
Saints: Reasons for CJ Gardner-Johnson’s Trade with Eagles Reported
Gardner-Johnson, a 2019 fourth-round pick from Florida, was entering the final year of his rookie contract, set to hit free agency at the end of the 2022 campaign. Gardner-Johnson opted to stay through training camp during negotiations.
NOLA.com’s Jeff Duncan pointed out in an article after the trade (subscription required) That during one practice, Gardner Johnson was injured after a collision, he shouted to the team coaches “Look, that’s what you all wanted.” The quote was, Duncan notes, “presumably in relation to his uncertain contract status.”
Head coach Dennis Allen spoke to the media about the deal, saying the decision wasn’t easy, but he was confident in their back defence, which he described as the “deeper positions” they have.
The Eagles continued their off-season strength by adding another talented player to their defence. Hasson Riddick, cornerback James Bradbury, defensive back Jordan Davis, linebacker Nakobi Dean, and now Gardner Johnson. This is a team that is doing everything they can to win the NFC East, and possibly a deep playoff.
Now, it will remain to be seen if the Eagles are able to agree to terms with Gardner-Johnson regarding the contract extension.
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