Staff Writer
Just ahead of the deadline to reduce the roster to 53 players, the Eagles have agreed to terms to acquire safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a 7th-round draft pick in 2025 from New Orleans, sending to the Saints a 5th-round draft pick in 2024 and the later of the Eagles’ two 6th-round draft picks in 2024.
A 2019 4th-round draft pick from Florida, Gardner-Johnson has started 31 of the 43 games he’s played, including 11 starts in 12 games last season. Listed as a defensive back with the Saints because he’s versatile enough to play slot cornerback and physical enough to play the safety position, Gardner-Johnson is a strong addition to the Eagles roster. Defensive Coordinator Jonathan Gannon likes to employ his players in a variety of spots throughout the defense, emphasizing their ability to adapt, adjust, and play fast and physical.
Gardner-Johnson certainly fits this criteria. He is a starting-level defensive back and according to Pro Football Focus, Gardner-Johnson has made more plays on the ball in the slot than any player in the league since the 2018 season (24).
Gardner-Johnson is known to be a sure tackler who loves to mix it up and who brings a high degree of energy and personality to the field. He became a fan favorite in New Orleans for having a playing style that identifies with the team. Getting the player up to speed in the defense is the next challenge, but the Eagles have two weeks to get him ready to learn the game plan.
The Eagles were able to make the deal in part because of a trade Executive Vice President/General Manager Howie Roseman made last week with Tennessee, when he sent defensive back Ugo Amadi to the Titans and the teams exchanged late-round draft picks.
