The Philadelphia Eagles Trade For A Safety
The Philadelphia Eagles are in the process of finalizing their 53-man roster for the 2022 season. In the midst of the busy week, the team has reportedly made a major trade. The Eagles and the New Orleans Saints worked a deal to bring safety Chauncy Gardner-Johnson to Philadelphia.
The Eagles will send their 2023 fifth-round pick and the worse of their two sixth-round picks in 2024 to the Saints in exchange for Gardner-Johnson and a seventh rounder in 2025. Philadelphia also released safety Anthony Harris.
College Career
C.J. Gardner-Johnson was born in Cocoa, Florida and played his college football at the University of Florida. He appeared in all 14 games during his freshman year. He was the 2017 Outback Bowl MVP with two tackles and two interceptions in the Gators win over Iowa. He played safety and nickel corner during his three years playing in college.
NFL Career
Gardner-Johnson was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints. He had a productive rookie season and was even named to the PFWA and Pro Football Focus All-Rookie teams. Gardner-Johnson ended the year with 49 tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception.
2020 was an even better year for Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. In 2020, he recorded 66 tackles, one sack, 13 pass deflections, and one interception. In 2021, he had 46 tackles, two sacks, seven pass deflections, and three interceptions in 12 games. Overall, he had three very good years for the Saints.
Where Does He Fit On The Eagles?
The Eagles are weak at safety. They attempted to go the veteran free agent route with Jaquiski Tartt, but it did not work out. Tartt struggled during training camp and the preseason, so the Eagles released him.
Marcus Epps, K’Von Wallace, and Anthony Harris were also competing for starting safety spots. None have impressed this summer, so expect Gardner-Johnson to be a starter once he learns the defense. This is a big move for the Eagles defense to help solidify the secondary.
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