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In a surprising move, the New Orleans Saints traded cornerback CJ Gardner Johnson to the Philadelphia Eagles, his agent said.
The Saints were in contract talks with Gardner-Johnson, but a deal came up after talks broke down, according to NFL Network. Send back the fifth-round and 2024 sixth-round picks.
New Orleans has a lot of young talent in the secondary, so rather than trade Gardner-Johnson for an asset, the play was to make him free agency after this year.
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The Eagles continue to strengthen their roster before the start of the regular season. A standout defensive rookie in his tackling while he’s a receiver he’s beefing up the offense like AJ Brown he’s added Jordan his Davis. Herson Reddick also joined the defensive line, and cornerback James Bradbury was added after the New York Giants released him for a much-needed cap crunch.
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The move came after the Eagles released veteran Anthony Harris. Gardner-Johnson is more free-spirited security, so Marcus Epps or André Chacher could fill the void left by Harris.
Philadelphia are looking to push in the NFC East, and their only rival for the division title is expected to be the Dallas Cowboys. The Washington Commanders have improved, but are still expected to be a middling bunch, while the Giants are rebuilding with a new GM and head coach.
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With Jalen Hurts leading the offense and the defense looking to be beefed up by the transaction, Head Coach Nick Sirianni’s club has what it takes to make an impact in the NFC this season.
They will ring in the new year against the Detroit Lions on September 11th.
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In three seasons with the Saints, Gardner-Johnson has five interceptions, 28 passes defended, 161 tackles and three sacks.