The Philadelphia Eagles did not trade starting safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson because they absolutely loved Kenyon Green.
Gardner-Johnson carried a significant cap hit, and moving him would give the team some legitimate cap space over the next few years. Adding a former first-round pick from Houston in Green was just a bonus.
The hope was that Green would be on the field early on for Philadelphia. That way, the front office could claim they traded a starter in Gardner-Johnson for another one in Green.
That doesn't appear to be happening, though.
Throughout offseason workouts, Green was normally used at right guard on the third and second teams. He did not show anything that stood out in a positive way and seemed to be a step behind other players like Tyler Steen.
There could be a good reason for that. This is Green's first offseason with the Eagles, so he is learning a new system and technique. It takes time for any one player to learn both.
He also has a month before the start of training camp, which is a clear point of emphasis for offensive linemen.
That still doesn't diminish the Gardner-Johnson trade. Philadelphia moved one of the more productive safeties in the game last season because he was outspoken and had a large cap hit.
To move him for an offensive lineman who clearly isn't getting first-team reps yet is an indictment on the people who facilitated the trade.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has made plenty of bad trades over the years. He's also made numerous great deals as well.
The early returns from the Green trade are that cap concerns aside, it was a bad football move for the team.