The salary cap is a cruel master. Free agency has brought many surprises in the NFL, but perhaps none more unexpected than C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s departure from the Philadelphia Eagles in early March. Although the star safety had kept a low profile since then, he broke his silence today, criticizing the team for the cheap shot.
Gardner-Johnson was in his second stint with the Eagles after an initial attempt in 2022. The seven-year veteran arrived in Philadelphia from the Detroit Lions for the 2024 season and was traded last March to the Houston Texans in exchange for offensive lineman Kenyon Green.
The University of Florida product had a strong year in Philadelphia, recording 59 tackles, 35 solo, and returning six interceptions for 116 yards and a touchdown. Despite this, the front office let him go, and Gardner-Johnson isn’t very happy about it.
Gardner-Johnson’s anger
In an interview with The Philly Times, Gardner-Johnson criticized the Eagles, saying, “People showed me their true colors when I got traded.” However, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), the player made it clear that his disappointment is only with the team, emphasizing, “My fans have always been solid! Love Philly Nation 4L!”
Furthermore, the safety showed he’s ready to begin the next chapter of his career, congratulating the teams that played in the men’s NCAA Basketball Tournament final. “So I played in Houston, went to Florida, and they both are in the championship game.”
In the latest post of this long series, Gardner-Johnson sent a message to the Cougars fans after the loss to the Gators. “Houston, we’re gonna be alright, lol. Ceedy’s here. Congrats to my Florida Gators,” the player said, showing his commitement to his new city.
The Eagles vs. the salary cap
Gardner-Johnson joined the Eagles on a three-year, $27 million contract, with a base salary of $7.75 million for the 2025 season. With little room under their salary cap, the Eagles had to maneuver to make room for new signings, and Gardner-Johnson found himself on the wrong side of the restructuring.
After all was said and done with Philadelphia, the new Texans star made it clear that he’s ready to move on. However, that doesn’t mean he’ll soon forget the affront he suffered at the hands of the Eagles’ front office.
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