The Philadelphia Eagles defensive line turnover continued Tuesday as CJ Gardner-Johnson’s name was linked to trade reports.
The defensive end has been traded to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Kenyon Green, according to multiple reports. The trade package would also send a 2026 fifth-round draft pick to the reigning Super Bowl champion Eagles. In addition to Gardner-Johnson, Houston would acquire a future sixth-round pick.

The Philadelphia Eagles defensive line turnover continued Tuesday as CJ Gardner-Johnson’s name was linked to trade reports. (Geoff Burke-Imagn Images)
The 2024 season would have marked Gardner-Johnson’s second stint with the Eagles after initially playing with Philadelphia in 2022. He left after that season and spent the 2023 campaign with the Detroit Lions.
Gardner-Johnson joined the Eagles last year and signed a three-year deal with the team.
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He was a key part of the Eagles’ run-heavy defense last year, finishing the regular season with six interceptions. Gardner-Johnson also recorded six interceptions with the Eagles two seasons ago.
Despite the possibility of him wearing a different uniform next season, Gardner-Johnson said the Eagles and the city of Philadelphia will continue to hold a special place in his heart.
“I love you Philly, we are champions forever,” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Gardner-Johnson’s relationship with Eagles fans has seemed strained at times. Shortly after his first stint ended, he characterized at least some Philadelphians as “hateful.”
“My favorite thing … is the people,” Gardner-Johnson said during a twitchy livestream in 2023. He added that he enjoyed the city’s weather.

CJ Gardner Johnson at the Super Bowl
Gardner-Johnson’s relationship with Eagles fans has seemed strained at times. (Adam Bow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Gardner-Johnson handled starting safety duties for the Eagles in 2024 and recorded three tackles in the team’s 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
The 27-year-old sparked some controversy shortly after the Eagles won their second Vince Lombardi Trophy in franchise history when he took aim at Travis Kelce—and effectively at romantic partner Taylor Swift—in a social media post.

In a vulgar caption on a photo of himself joining Kelce on the football field, Gardner-Johnson suggested that Kelce “should have stayed” with his ex-girlfriend. He doubled down on that stance when he arrived at the Eagles Super Bowl victory parade wearing a hoodie that read, “Swifties can lix my b—-.”