Former Florida defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson was initially skeptical when he heard about his trade from the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles traded Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans on Tuesday in exchange for former Texas A&M offensive lineman Kenyon Green. As part of the deal, the teams are also swapping 2026 fifth- and sixth-round draft picks.
When Eagles GM Howie Roseman informed Gardner-Johnson about the trade, the experienced defensive back thought it was an early April Fool’s joke.
Gardner-Johnson, who went by Chauncey during his time at Florida, emphasized that there are no hard feelings and acknowledged the team’s financial limitations. He leaves Philadelphia with a Super Bowl ring.
This marks the fourth straight season Gardner-Johnson has changed teams. After playing at Florida from 2016-18, he was selected by the New Orleans Saints with the 105th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Gardner-Johnson spent his first three seasons with the Saints and earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2019. Before the 2022 season, he was traded to Philadelphia.
During his first tenure with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson led the NFL in interceptions with six. In 2023 free agency, he signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions but missed much of the season due to a torn pectoral muscle.
By 2024, he returned to Philadelphia. Last season, he started all 16 games, tallying 59 tackles, 12 pass breakups, and six interceptions. He also started all four playoff games, recording 14 tackles.
