The experienced safety will be exchanged to the Houston Texans by the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for offensive lineman Kenyon Green. The news was disclosed on Tuesday by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo, who reported that the Eagles will also transfer a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to Houston in return for a 2026 fifth-round draft pick.
This trade is a move calculated for both sides. Gardner-Johnson is a solid, versatile defensive back who has consistently proved throughout his career that he can make plays. Houston required secondary depth after Eric Murray departed to Jacksonville, and Gardner-Johnson is the perfect fit.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia is also rolling the dice by bringing in Green. A first-round pick once, Green didn’t quite pan out in Houston, but a fresh start may be just what he needs to revive his career. The Eagles have a history of rejuvenating underperforming first-rounders, and their record says that Green might be another success story in the right hands.
One such case is Mekhi Becton, who came to Philadelphia in 2024 with his career on hold. With the guidance of offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, Becton rediscovered his purpose and thrived as a guard, silencing his critics. The Eagles are counting on Green to experience a similar rebirth under Stoutland’s guidance.
For Eagles general manager Howie Roseman, the trade is part of a larger narrative. Off a Super Bowl victory, he is keen to continue fortifying the roster without losing flexibility. Having a strong group of young defensive backs on the roster already, Roseman saw that it was the time to trade Gardner-Johnson while his value was still at its peak. While this was being done, the ambiguity about Becton’s status—since he is testing the waters of free agency—left the Eagles no choice but to move quickly and acquire a possible replacement. Green is an inexpensive, high-ceilinged option who can excel in Philadelphia’s system.
The signing is evidence of Roseman’s staying a step ahead of the curve. Instead of standing around waiting for the free agent market to drive him into the next move, he took an active approach by acquiring a guy who has undeveloped ability. Green wasn’t a bust in Houston—the city just hasn’t been great to him and now he’s headed to Arizona with a defense and coaching regime that should put his skills into action.
The signing indicates that the Texans remain dedicated to addressing their defense. Gardner-Johnson’s leadership and intense competitive spirit would be helpful assets for Houston as it attempts to continue its recent trend of success. Picking up a player of his caliber is a massive addition for a secondary unit that was in need of an injection.
Ultimately, each side profits in this deal. While the Texans gain a veteran playmaker for their defensive secondary, the Eagles get a project with much upside. For the moment, it’s a deal that makes sense on several levels, but only time will tell which side benefits the most.
