Birds Say ‘C’ Ya

After losing defensive tackle Milton Williams and edge defender Josh Sweat on Monday’s first day of legal tampering for NFL free agency, the Eagles on Tuesday traded away another major piece of their Super Bowl defense.

In a surprise move, the defending champs traded safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Texans in exchange for guard Kenyon Green, a 2024 first-round pick who started just nine games last year, and two Day 3 future picks, per the NFL Network:

The Eagles will reportedly also get back a fifth-round and sixth-round pick in 2026 as part of the deal. Green enters the final year of his rookie deal.

GETTY IMAGES: For the second time, the Eagles part ways with S C.J. Gardner-Johnson after going to a Super Bowl.

The addition of Green, who was picked 15th overall, and subtraction of Gardner-Johnson means the Eagles will have another piece of the defense to replace and probably won’t be re-signing right guard Mekhi Becton, who is also a free agent.

Green, who missed all of 2023 with a shoulder injury that required surgery, was in and out of the Texans starting lineup last season as the Houston offensive line struggled for much of the year.

While the Eagles have yet to sign a free agent since Monday’s noon start, they’ve now made two trades, including dealing backup quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Browns for draft picks and third-string quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson.

They’ve also given tight end Dallas Goedert permission to seek a trade, sources have told Inside The Birds.

The only money they’ve spent so far this offseason is a landmark deal to retain All-Pro linebacker Zack Baun, who was set to become a free agent before the extension.

If the Eagles lose Becton, they’ll have third-year pro Tyler Steen ready to compete with Green and any other additions for the starting job next season.

As for safety, the Eagles will save cash in the Gardner-Johnson trade but have a big void to fill, as Gardner-Johnson intercepted six passes – just like he did for the Eagles in 2022 before exiting in free agency – and returned one for a touchdown.

Third-year safety Sydney Brown should be ready to compete for the job opposite Reed Blankenship to fill Gardner-Johnson’s void, but the Eagles could also address this position in the draft and in the bargain shopping phase of free agency.

GETTY IMAGES: Free-agent OG Mekhi Becton appears less likely to return after the Eagles traded for OG Kenyon Green.

Other safeties on the roster include Tristin McCollum, who was ahead of Brown on the depth chart this past season, and 2022 first-rounder Lewis Cine, a Vikings castoff who was on the Bills’ practice squad last season until the Eagles signed him to the 53-man roster.

The Eagles also have second-year safety Andre’ Sam, a 2024 rookie free agent signing, to compete.

A second Eagle left the nest later in the day, with running back Kenny Gainwell reportedly agreeing to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per Fox Sports.

GETTY IMAGES: RB Kenny Gainwell has reportedly agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Gainwell spent his four seasons with the Eagles as a serviceable backup. Despite playing behind Saquon Barkley in the midst of a historic season, he provided 290 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

More importantly, he was the team’s best pass-blocker from the RB position, a role that will need to be replaced.

2024 fourth round pick Will Shipley is next in line to receive more snaps.

– Geoff Mosher (@geoffmoshernfl) is co-host of the “Inside the Birds” podcast and staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com