Introduction
C. J. Gardner-Johnson is one of the more intriguing defensive backs in the NFL — a player with big-play ability, a fiery personality, and a somewhat tumultuous career trajectory in recent years. Questions often swirl around whether the Philadelphia Eagles signed him again, what contract terms he landed, and what role he played in their Super Bowl run. In this article, we will walk through his career path, his signing with the Eagles, the details of his contract, his contribution to the Super Bowl, and what might lie ahead.
Early Career & Rise to Prominence
Chauncey “C. J.” Gardner-Johnson was born December 20, 1997, in Cocoa, Florida. He played college football at the University of Florida from 2016 to 2018, then entered the 2019 NFL Draft, where he was selected in the 4th round (105th overall) by the New Orleans Saints.
In New Orleans, Gardner-Johnson developed as a versatile defensive back, sometimes playing in the slot, sometimes playing deeper as a safety. He built a reputation for being physical, aggressive, and willing to force turnovers. Over his career, he has accumulated strong individual stats: as of 2024, he has recorded over 300 total tackles, 18 interceptions, and 51 pass deflections.
His time in New Orleans established him as a playmaker, but he did not become a household name until his trade to Philadelphia.
First Stint with the Eagles
Trade to Philadelphia
On August 30, 2022, the New Orleans Saints traded Gardner-Johnson (plus a 2025 seventh-round pick) to the Philadelphia Eagles. In return, the Eagles sent a 2023 fifth-round pick and one of their 2024 sixth-round picks (whichever was lower) to New Orleans.
The Eagles had recently parted ways with safeties Anthony Harris and Rodney McLeod, so there was a vacancy in the secondary. Gardner-Johnson entered training camp competing for a starting safety role.
2022 Season
Nick Sirianni and defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon named him the starting strong safety to open the 2022 season, pairing him with Marcus Epps at free safety.
That season, Gardner-Johnson produced standout numbers: 67 combined tackles, six interceptions (tying for the league lead), and eight passes defended. In one game, he registered 10 solo tackles and an interception against the Arizona Cardinals.
Philadelphia went 14–3, secured a first-round bye, and advanced all the way to Super Bowl LVII, where Gardner-Johnson started. He logged four tackles (three solo) in the Eagles’ 38–35 loss to Kansas City. His performance, coupled with his playmaking, endeared him to Eagles fans.
However, after the Super Bowl, Gardner-Johnson became a free agent and signed elsewhere, ending his first stint in Philadelphia. C. J. Gardner-Johnson.
Time Away & Return
Detroit Lions & Other Stops
After the 2022 season, Gardner-Johnson signed a one-year contract with the Detroit Lions in 2023. His impact in Detroit was limited by injuries, particularly a pectoral injury, which cost him regular season playing time. However, he did contribute in the postseason with an interception, pass deflection, and tackles.
Re-signing with the Eagles (2024)
On March 14, 2024, the Philadelphia Eagles and C. J. Gardner-Johnson agreed to terms on a three-year contract worth $27 million, which included $10 million guaranteed.
The Eagles viewed him as a key piece for their secondary under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. With Kevin Byard departing, Gardner-Johnson was slotted in as the de facto starting strong safety, paired with Reed Blankenship.
In 2024, he made several crucial plays, including interceptions, pass deflections, and consistent tackling. He helped Philadelphia reach the Super Bowl again and was part of the Super Bowl LIX championship team, logging three combined tackles in the 40–22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Interestingly, Gardner-Johnson was among a dozen Eagles players on that championship roster who did not make the White House visit. He stated that his absence was not politically motivated, but related to appearance and weight.
Did the Eagles Sign Him? Yes — But Then Traded
While the Eagles did sign Gardner-Johnson in 2024 to a three-year deal, his tenure with them did not last the full contract. In March 2025, the Eagles traded him to the Houston Texans. The trade details: Philadelphia sent Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Houston in exchange for offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick.
Gardner-Johnson, when reacting to the trade, admitted he initially thought the announcement was a prank — but maintained there was “no bad blood” between him and the Eagles, stating the team needed to free up resources for younger players.
Thus, the answer to “Did the Eagles sign him?” is yes — but he is no longer on their roster as of 2025. C. J. Gardner-Johnson.
Contract Breakdown & Analysis
The 2024–2025 Contract
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Duration: 3 years
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Total Value: ~$27 million
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Guaranteed Money: $10 million
From the Eagles’ perspective, the deal gave them security at safety while keeping moderate risk exposure. The guaranteed portion is substantial, but not overwhelming, allowing some flexibility if performance or roster needs changed.
Performance vs. Cost
Gardner-Johnson brought playmaking ability (interceptions, pass breakups) and an edge to the Eagles’ defense. However, he has also had seasonal injuries and has sometimes struggled in coverage. His outspoken personality has also drawn attention, positive and negative alike.
In terms of contract value, for a safety with his upside and proven impact, $27 million over three years is a solid mid-tier deal. The Eagles structured it in a way that allowed them to move on if necessary — and they did.
Trade Value
When the Eagles traded him, it was part of a broader roster and salary cap strategy. Acquiring Kenyon Green, an offensive lineman, suggests Philly prioritized building up the trenches. The fact that the Eagles packaged the trade with a draft pick swap indicates they felt they could part ways without giving too much length on the contract.
Role in the Super Bowl
Gardner-Johnson’s role in Super Bowl LIX (the 2025 championship) is part of what cements his legacy in Eagles lore. Starting at safety, he logged three tackles in the game, contributing to Philadelphia’s dominant 40–22 victory over Kansas City.
His presence in that game and throughout the postseason was not flashy, but reliable. He helped anchor the back end of the defense, ensuring that playmakers could operate without being overly exploited. While he wasn’t the headline star, his role was integral in helping the defense maintain stability.
It’s also notable that he had already participated in a previous Super Bowl (LVII) with the Eagles, though they lost that one by a narrow margin.
Recent Developments
After being traded to Houston, Gardner-Johnson’s stint with the Texans was short-lived. In 2025, he was released after just three games, amid reports of locker room friction and underperformance.
Following that, he briefly joined the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad, but was again released in what was described as a mutual decision.
As of the latest reports, Gardner-Johnson is a free agent, and there is speculation about whether the Eagles might re-sign him — though NFL rules could hinder that possibility since a team cannot simply re-sign a player they traded midseason in certain conditions.
Interestingly, some fans have observed that Gardner-Johnson recently liked tweets and followed fans calling for his return to Philadelphia — suggesting he might also have interest in returning. C. J. Gardner-Johnson.
Pros, Cons, and Outlook
Pros
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Playmaker Mentality: He has a proven track record of interceptions and pass breakups.
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Experience: He’s been in big games, including two Super Bowls.
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Familiarity: Having already played in the Eagles’ system, re-signing would theoretically require less adjustment.
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Physicality: He brings intensity and physical presence to the defensive backfield.
Cons
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Inconsistency & Injuries: Some seasons have been marred by injuries or inconsistent play.
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Personality / Off-field Issues: His outspoken nature has sometimes caused friction or distractions.
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Cost vs. Upside: At $27 million over three years, he’s not cheap; teams may hesitate at that level.
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Trade/Signing Restrictions: NFL rules might complicate a re-signing by Philadelphia after trading him.
Outlook
At this point, Gardner-Johnson’s future likely involves one of two paths:
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Another team signs him to a short-term or incentive-heavy deal.
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The Eagles or another team bring him in midseason, potentially on a lesser deal, to boost depth or experience at safety.
His reputation as a playmaker still carries weight. If he lands in a good scheme and stays healthy, he can still be a valuable contributor. C. J. Gardner-Johnson.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Did the Eagles re-sign C. J. Gardner-Johnson after his first stint?
Yes — after his first season with Philadelphia (2022), he left, then in March 2024 the Eagles signed him again to a 3-year, $27 million contract with $10 million guaranteed.
Q2: What were the terms of Gardner-Johnson’s Eagles contract?
The deal was for three years, approximately $27 million total, with $10 million guaranteed.
Q3: Did Gardner-Johnson win a Super Bowl with the Eagles?
Yes, he was part of Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LIX victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in 2025, contributing as a starting safety.
Q4: Why was Gardner-Johnson traded from the Eagles in 2025?
The Eagles traded him to the Houston Texans in March 2025, likely as part of roster/salary adjustments. In exchange, Philadelphia acquired Kenyon Green (an offensive lineman) and a draft pick.
Q5: Is Gardner-Johnson currently on the Eagles roster?
No, as of the latest reports, he is not. He was traded in 2025 and subsequently released by Houston and then Baltimore’s practice squad.
Q6: Could the Eagles sign him again?
Possibly, but there are NFL rules to consider. One report suggests the Eagles might be prevented from re-signing him due to restrictions on re-signing a player they traded. C. J. Gardner-Johnson.
Q7: What does his future look like?
He will likely aim for a short-term deal with a team seeking depth at safety or playmaking ability. If healthy, and if he finds the right defensive scheme, he still has value to offer.
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