CJ Gardner-Johnson Bluntly Responds to DC Vic Fangio Claiming Eagles Traded Him for Salary Cap Reasons

The Eagles traded safety CJ Gardner-Johnson to the Houston Texans and called it a salary cap issue, but the Super Bowl winner claimed the reason is different.

CJ Gardner-Johnson Bluntly Responds to DC Vic Fangio Claiming Eagles Traded Him for Salary Cap Reasons

CJ Gardner-Johnson (Image via SI)

CJ Gardner-Johnson did not appreciate Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio presenting the salary cap as the main issue for his trade to the Houston Texans. The veteran safety posted a fiery message on social media, claiming that Fangio and the Eagles were trying to hide the truth.

Gardner-Johnson was very influential in the Eagles’ second-ever ring. His experience worked wonders alongside rookies Quniyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. However, the Eagles traded him for cap money, which the 27-year-old claimed wasn’t the real cause.

I was a test dummy for them. So now they can be like, my ‘scheme’ work, or did my skillset make it work… I had zero issues [with the team] people had issues with me. So, yeah the salary cap be the ‘excuse’.

CJ Gardner-Johnson wrote

A few hours before CJGJ’s post, reporters asked Fangio to explain the reason behind the trade of the former fourth-rounder, even though he signed a three-year, $33 million contract after rejoining the Eagles in 2024.

That was a salary cap-type thing, and Howie made that decision. I was fine with it.

Vic Fangio said

Fangio’s explanation was not entirely satisfactory. Fortunately, general manager Howie Roseman explained the trade better during the NFL owners’ meeting.

We got eight guys who are making $15 million or more — we have from the 2022 to 2024 drafts, we have eight starters who are on the Super Bowl team, and none of those guys have long-term contracts.

Howie Roseman said

Roseman agreed to top salaries with Zach Baun, Saquon Barkley, and Lane Johnson. As a result, there was less money for CJGJ, so they traded him and released veteran Darius Slay Jr.

Moreover, the Eagles have to pay the newer players in the future. Jalen Carter, Mitchell, DeJean, Jordan Davis, and Nakobe Dean are in line for a big payday.

After the trade, Gardner Johnson posted a video message to the fans. His initial reaction to the trade news was one of shock because he wanted to stay in Philadelphia longer.

I ain’t gonna lie, I thought it was April Fool’s.

CJ Gardner Johnson said

However, he specifically highlighted that he left the Eagles’ facility on good terms.

I was like they damn sure got me; they’re playing crazy with me right now. But naw, it wasn’t no love lost. It wasn’t no bad blood. It was an amazing phone call to be all the way thorough. The situation is, them young guys just gotta get paid in Philly.

CJGJ said

Who will replace CJ Gardner-Johnson for the Eagles?

CJCGJ’s absence means more work for Reed Blankenship, but he will not be the only one shouldering all the workload. Fangio named Sydney Brown and Andrew Mukuba potential candidates to fill Gardner-Johnson’s position.

CJ Gardner-Johnson Bluntly Responds to DC Vic Fangio Claiming Eagles Traded Him for Salary Cap Reasons
CJ Gardner-Johnson (Image via SI)

It’s a competition that is going to take a training camp and a few preseason games to sort out.

Vic Fangio said via NBC Sports Philadelphia

Regardless of who takes over, CJGJ’s absence at the base of the Eagles’ secondary will be a big talking point in the new season. He recorded 59 combined tackles, 12 pass deflections, 6 interceptions, one touchdown, and one forced fumble in 16 games last year.

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