NFL trade grades: Eagles land star safety from Saints in shocking move
By Mark Powell
![New Orleans Saints safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports) New Orleans Saints safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/0b38b3617d472f5c45b5eb8f58c8273743d5bba4dc0d8ad5d9aff20f36155a63.jpg)
The Philadelphia Eagles made a surprising trade on NFL cut day, landing Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, formerly on the New Orleans Saints.
Gardner-Johnson wanted a new contract to stay in New Orleans, but those talks reportedly broke down in the middle of training camp. The two sides were engaged in what many considered a hold-in, rather than a holdout, where Gardner-Johnson still participated in camp but in a limited capacity.
With neither side willing to budge, New Orleans got what they could from the Eagles in a trade. He’s their problem now, and a welcomed addition at that rate.
#Eagles GM Howie Roseman is always working the phones. They quietly mined the safety market and ended up with a star. https://t.co/etTuowCfyO
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2022
In a corresponding move, Philadelphia released Anthony Harris, thanks in part to the addition of Gardner-Johnson.
Eagles are releasing starting safety Anthony Harris, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2022
NFL trade grades: Eagles acquire Chauncey Gardner-Johnson from Saints
While we don’t yet know the draft pick compensation for Gardner-Johnson, it’s fair to consider the Eagles winners of this trade as they are filling an obvious hole in their secondary. Gardner-Johnson is one of the better safeties in the NFC.
New Orleans, meanwhile, could not pony up the necessary spending to keep Gardner-Johnson. This, despite draft capital surely headed their way, makes them the losers of this deal.
https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1564638932893057026
Eagles: A-
It’s tough to argue with the grade above, as Philadelphia filled a much-needed gap in their defense. It’s been an active offseason for Howie Roseman, specifically on the trade market. Earlier this offseason he acquired AJ Brown from the Tennessee Titans, as well.
Not a total surprise here. Had heard the Saints were exploring this route with Gardner-Johnson after extension talks broke down. Team officials were miffed at both CJGJ's asking price and his "hold-in" stance while skipping training camp workouts. https://t.co/lvadS8CVtm
— Jeff Duncan (@JeffDuncan_) August 30, 2022
Now, whether or not Philly can sign Gardner-Johnson long-term will determine how successful this trade can be for them. He’s set to make just over $2 million this season, a severe underpay, and is a free agent after the year.
A contract extension should come in short order. Given how much safeties were paid this offseason, Gardner-Johnson will not come cheap.
Saints: C+
The Saints received two late-round picks in exchange for Gardner-Johnson, and even had to throw in their own pick in 2025. That’s rather lackluster, and surely not enough for a player of Gardner-Johnson’s caliber.
Next. NFL roster cuts tracker: Surprise moves we didn’t see coming (UPDATED). dark