The one consensus move in the offseason that every Philadelphia Eagles fan hated was trading safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans. While it didn't work out for the Texans, the Chicago Bears are now reaping the benefits.
Gardner-Johnson has had an odd 2025 season as he started the first three games for the Texans at safety before getting released due to a mutual decision from Houston and Gardner-Johnson. He would sign with the Baltimore Ravens, but lasted one week before once again, a mutual release.
Leading up to his time in Chicago, Gardner-Johnson was asked to play slot corner instead of safety, and what a great decision that was for the Bears. After a stellar debut against the Cincinnati Bengals, he topped it in the Bears' 24-20 win over one of the Eagles' biggest rivals, the New York Giants, with two key sacks (three in the last two games).
Roseman is not looking good after trading away Gardner-Johnson
The problem with what Roseman did was that he replaced Gardner-Johnson with rookie second-round pick Andrew Mukuba, who hasn't been bad, but is facing some struggles of a first-year player. Mukuba's inconsistencies in pass coverage have been the most significant issue that Gardner-Johnson did not have last year, helping Philly win the Super Bowl.
Even worse, the Eagles are struggling at cornerback, and Gardner-Johnson actually could have helped them there. Adoree' Jackson and Kelee Ringo failed miserably on the outside, so the simple solution could have been to move Cooper DeJean on the outside, Gardner-Johnson to nickel, and Mukuba could start at safety.
Philly could have avoided making three trades for Jakorian Bennett, Michael Carter II, and Jaire Alexander. Those moves were made because Roseman had to accept the fact that he screwed up royally at cornerback.
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Eagles fans can be happy for Gardner-Johnson as he will have his chance to get some revenge on his old team on Black Friday with the Bears. As for Roseman and Philly, they have to watch from afar as Gardner-Johnson has this awakening they wished they could have witnessed here in the City of Brotherly Love.