For the second time in a few years, the Philadelphia Eagles are facing backlash from their former star safety, CJ Gardner-Johnson. The veteran safety recently voiced his frustrations on social media after hearing his former defensive coordinator discuss the offseason trade that sent shockwaves across Philly.
Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio told reporters he was "fine" with the reasoning behind the trade. According to Fangio, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman moved Gardner-Johnson for salary cap purposes.
On Wednesday, Gardner-Johnson took to social media to clap back. Clearly, the veteran safety feels like there was another reason behind the deal-and he's not a fan of the public messaging.
"I was a test dummy for them," Gardner-Johnson wrote on Instagram.
"So, now they can be like my 'scheme' work, or did my skill set make it work?" I had zero issues. [People] had issues with me. So, yeah, let the salary cap be the 'excuse.'"
Since his first stint in Philadelphia, Gardner-Johnson was recognized as one of the most outspoken players in the organization.
When the Eagles landed Gardner-Johnson the first time around, he was traded by the New Orleans Saints after spending his first three seasons there. Gardner-Johnson appeared in 12 games in 2022, registering a career-high 67 tackles and leading the league with six interceptions.
The veteran safety was a helping hand in getting the Eagles to the Super Bowl in 2023. During that offseason, Gardner-Johnson hit the free agency market and inked a one-year deal to join the Detroit Lions. When he left the Eagles for the Lions, Gardner-Johnson publicly made it clear that he wanted to return to Philadelphia, but contract discussions did not go as he had hoped.
After one season in Detroit, Gardner-Johnson made his way back to Philadelphia. He signed a three-year deal with the Eagles. The deal was for a reported $27 million, with $10 million guaranteed.
Despite signing a long-term deal with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson's stint in Philly will be capped at one season again. After helping a successful secondary win the Super Bowl, Johnson found himself included in a deal that sent him to the Houston Texans. The Eagles received the lineman Kenyon Green, along with a 2025 fifth-round pick.
It's unclear what truly went into the decision to move off of Gardner-Johnson for the second time in three years. Both sides have a different perspective. Either way, Gardner-Johnson has made it clear that he was fond of his time in Philadelphia, even though he seems frustrated with the way it ended once again.