According to sources, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday that the New Orleans Saints are sending defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for a draft pick.
When negotiations for a contract extension between Gardner-Johnson and the Saints fell through, the team’s priority changed from keeping the safety than moving him while he still had value. In exchange for Gardner-Johnson and a 2025 seventh-round pick, Philadelphia sent the Saints two picks in the 2023 fifth and 2024 sixth rounds, according to Pelissero.
In the previous season, Gardner-Johnson frequently played the nickel back position for New Orleans’ defense, moving down from safety to cover slot receivers.
According to Next Gen Stats, he performed admirably, coming in sixth place among defensive backs who played at least 50% of their coverage snaps as slot corners in 2021 in terms of targeted expected points added (-3) Gardner-Johnson also had three interceptions, which tied him for second among these defenders.
Unfortunately for Gardner-Johnson, a nickel corner doesn’t pay as well as a role in a more important production. According to Pelissero, he will likely transition to a full-time safety role in Philadelphia, creating the possibility for Gardner-Johnson to receive a raise at some point this season.
Gardner-Johnson is regarded as a fiery performer who gives passionate performances. Additionally, he has occasionally been known to aggravate players on the opposing side of the ball.
That kind of defender in the Eagles’ secondary won’t bother them at all. Following the release of Jaquiski Tartt and the anticipated breakup of the Eagles and Anthony Harris, the addition of Gardner-Johnson also shifts the roster toward a slightly younger position.
It’s still intriguing to see how far New Orleans will go to move Gardner-Johnson. Gardner-Johnson is well aware that playing the slot corner won’t help him maximize and capitalize on his value when the opportunity arises.
However, the speed with which this deal was completed suggests Gardner-Johnson and the Saints were probably not close to agreeing to an extension.
Instead, Howie Roseman, the general manager of the Eagles, will have the chance to sign Gardner-Johnson for the long haul.