The Philadelphia Eagles are undergoing significant roster changes, with key departures affecting both their offense and defense. One of the most notable moves involves safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who has been traded to the Houston Texans in exchange for guard Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick. As part of the deal, the Eagles will also send a 2026 sixth-round pick to Houston. Gardner-Johnson, a standout performer for the Eagles, was involved in recent controversy after making a vulgar comment about Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce following Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory. His departure leaves a gap in the secondary, which the Eagles will need to address in free agency or the draft.
Beyond Gardner-Johnson, the Eagles’ defense is seeing further shakeups. Defensive tackle Milton Williams has signed a massive four-year, $104 million contract with the New England Patriots, making him the third-highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL. Williams’ departure was somewhat expected, given Philadelphia’s salary cap situation, but it still marks a major loss for the team’s defensive front. In addition, linebacker Josh Sweat has joined the Arizona Cardinals, and the Eagles have released veteran cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry. These moves indicate a significant defensive overhaul, with the team likely looking to retool ahead of the 2025 season.
On the offensive side, speculation has arisen regarding the Eagles’ backfield situation after acquiring star running back Saquon Barkley earlier this offseason. However, reports suggesting that Barkley’s understudy has signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers remain unconfirmed. If true, this move could indicate a shift in the Eagles’ running back depth chart, potentially prompting them to seek additional depth behind Barkley. The Steelers, meanwhile, are in the market for offensive reinforcements, and acquiring a solid backup running back would complement their ground game.
Overall, the Eagles are navigating a challenging offseason, balancing key losses with strategic acquisitions. With major departures on both sides of the ball, the team’s front office will need to make calculated moves to maintain their competitive edge. The upcoming NFL Draft and free agency period will be crucial in shaping the Eagles’ roster for the 2025 season. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ potential signing of Barkley’s understudy suggests they are looking to strengthen their offensive unit, though further confirmation is needed. As the offseason progresses, these developments will play a significant role in determining both teams’ fortunes in the upcoming season.