The New Orleans Saints are trading defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the Philadelphia Eagles, NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelisero, according to sources reported Tuesday.
Gardner-Johnson and the Saints, shifting New Orleans’ focus from staying safe to moving him while he’s still valuable. Saints don’t get much: Philadelphia sends New Orleans a 2023 fifth-round pick and a 2024 sixth-round pick in exchange for Gardner Johnson and a 2025 pick, according to Pelisero A seventh-round pick.
Last year, Gardner-Johnson was a regular nickel in New Orleans’ defense, dropping from safety to covering slot receivers. According to Next Gen Stats, he’s doing a great job, ranking sixth in expected points on target (-3) among defensive backs with at least 50% coverage as a corner in 2021. Gardner-Johnson also tied for second among those defenders in interceptions.
Unfortunately for Gardner-Johnson, a fifth of the corners don’t get the same compensation as more important roles. According to Pelisero, he is expected to become a full-time safety in Philadelphia, opening the door for Gardner Johnson to earn a higher salary at some point this season.
Gardner-Johnson is known for his passionate performances. He has been known to piss off opposing players more than once.
The Eagles certainly don’t mind their second-line defenders. The acquisition of Gardner-Johnson also gave the team a younger roster after the release of Jaquiski Tartt and the expected split between the Hawks and Anthony Harris.
New Orleans’ willingness to move Gardner-Johnson is also interesting. When the time comes, every player should properly maximize and utilize his value, and Gardner-Johnson is well aware that playing the slot machines will not do that. But the swift execution of the trade suggests the Saints and Gardner-Johnson may not be close to an extension.
“We traded Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the Hawks. I want to say: It wasn’t an easy decision,” St. Outlaws head coach Dennis Allen told reporters Tuesday. “If we didn’t have confidence in the team we had, we wouldn’t have done that.”
Instead, Hawks general manager Howie Rothman will have the opportunity to ensure that Gardner Johnson is Team effectiveness. long.
