The defense took another hit Tuesday during the second day of free agency, but this time it was Eagles general manager Howie Roseman that orchestrated the move by trading C.J. Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans.
In return for CJGJ and a sixth-round pick in the 2026 draft, the Eagles received offensive lineman Kenyon Green and a fifth-round pick in next year’s draft.
Late Tuesday, it was reported that the Pittsburgh Steelers were in the process of finalizing a deal with Eagles backup running back and special teams mainstay Kenny Gainwell.
So far, the defense has lost four prominent members from the league’s top-ranked defense and two other valuable contributors. The list, in addition to CJGJ, includes cornerback Darius Slay, defensive tackle Milton Williams, edge rusher Josh Sweat, cornerback Isaiah Rodgers and linebacker Oren Burks.
For those of you scoring at home, the Eagles have lost five free agents without signing someone from outside the organization.
There are still a lot of good players available and at some point Roseman figures to sign some of them. In all likelihood, he’s looking for guys on one-year deals that he believes can help the Eagles remain an elite defense in 2025.
The best available cornerbacks: Rasul Douglas, a third-round pick by the Eagles in 2017 who has had an outstanding eight-year career, Kendall Fuller, a nine-year veteran who played last season in Miami, and Asante Samuel Jr., the son of former Eagles' cornerback Asante Samuel.
The list of edge rushers on the market includes intriguing veterans such as Von Miller (a future Hall of Famer who had six sacks for the Bills last season) and Za’Darius Smith, a three-time Pro Bowler who was traded from Cleveland to Detroit at the trade deadline in 2024.
On the defensive interior, Calais Campbell just finished his 17th season at age 38 with Miami by playing 17 games and recording five sacks. The Eagles could be his best chance to win an elusive Super Bowl before his career is over.
At running back, the Carolina Panthers just released Miles Sanders, the former Eagles running back who left the team as a free agent following the 2022 season. Sanders and Eagles star Saquon Barkley were teammates at Penn State and remain close friends.
Here’s a look at what the Eagles have done in free agency so far and their remaining free agents:
RE-SIGNED
LB Zack Baun (three years and $51 million with $34 million guaranteed)
RB Saquon Barkley (two-year extension for $41.2 million through the 2028 season)
LOST
LB Oren Burks (signed a two-year, $5 million deal with Bengals)
DT Milton Williams (signing a four-year, $104 million deal with the Patriots; $63 million guaranteed)
Edge rusher Josh Sweat (signing a four-year deal worth $76.4 million with the Cardinals; $41 million guaranteed)
CB Isaiah Rodgers (signing two-year deal worth $15 million with Vikings; $8 million guaranteed)
RB Kenny Gainwell (signing a one-year deal with the Steelers)
TRADED
QB Kenny Pickett to the Browns for a fifth-round pick and QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson
S C.J. Gardner Johnson and a sixth-round pick in 2026 to the Texans for OL Kenyon Green and a fifth-round pick in 2026.
RELEASED
CB Darius Slay (released with a post June 1 designation for a $4.3 million cap savings. He reportedly is talking to the Steelers about a new deal).
DB James Bradberry released with a post June 1 designation for a $2.1 million cap saving.
OL Nick Gates
REMAINING FREE AGENTS
G Mekhi Becton
OL Fred Johnson
WR Parris Campbell
TE C.J. Uzomah
OL Jack Driscoll
WR Britain Covey (restricted)
OT Le’Raven Clark
DB Avonte Maddox
LS Rick Lovato
DE Brandon Graham
LB/FB Ben VanSumeren (exclusive rights)
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Bob Brookover can be reached atrbrookover@njadvancemedia.com