Losing C.J. Gardner-Johnson is a “gigantic loss” for the Eagles, feels Emmanuel Acho

Emmanuel Acho thinks that losing CJ Gardner-Johnson is a big loss for the morale of the Philadelphia Eagles locker room

Losing C.J. Gardner-Johnson is a “gigantic loss” for the Eagles, feels Emmanuel Acho

C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Emmanuel Acho (Image Credits: L-via AP, R-via Open Source)

The Philadelphia Eagles are trading key parts of their defense in free agency. The team has parted ways with Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Isaiah Rodgers, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Additionally James Bradberry and Darius Slay are expected to be cut shortly.

Despite the mounting losses, Howie Roseman is confident and hopes to make up for them by adding other pieces down the road. However, there is one player who former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho believes will be hard to replace. That is C.J. Gardner-Johnson.

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According to Acho, Gardner-Johnson’s intangibles will not be easy to find in another player. The safety has been a consistent performer on the field, this season he had 6 interceptions, 35 solo tackles, 1 forced fumble, and 12 passes defended.

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It’s not a coincidence there with Chancey there, Eagles go to the Super Bowl, Eagles defense is stout. Chauncey goes to Detroit; Detroit has the best year of their career. Chauncey comes back to Philadelphia, the Eagles win their second Super Bowl in the history of the franchise. I gotta be worried about the Eagles defensively right now…I call him an enforcer. I don’t know Chauncey Gardner-Johnson off the field but every team on the field needs a bad dude. Like a dude who might get thrown out the game at any point…Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is that dude…Every team has him but the Eagles don’t.

Acho spoke highly of the safety on FS1’s The Facility.

He makes a valid point as Gardner-Johnson is a great trash talker. He gets into the heads of his opponents and backs his talk up through his actions.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson played an active role in Philadelphia’s quest to win the Super Bowl

His presence in the locker room was such that he would motivate and uplift his teammates. From trash talking Deebo Samuel and then successfully locking him down to standing up to Travis Kelce in Super Bowl LIX, CJGJ has all the traits to be recognized as a villain in the NFL.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson
C.J. Gardner-Johnson (Image via Open Source)

However, his loyalty towards the Philadelphia Eagles franchise is admirable. He was drafted by the Saints and played his first three seasons with the team before being traded to the Eagles. After one season, they traded him to Detroit before signing him back before the 2024-25 season commenced.

The team occupies a special place in his heart and there is a good chance he may end up returning to Philly. For now, the Eagles traded him in exchange for guard Kenyon Green and a fifth-round pick in the 2026 draft. He will boost the Texans’ defense and fulfil the team’s requirement of a safety.

Despite Gardner-Johnson’s departure, the Eagles defense still retains its stars. The likes of Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Zack Baun, Cooper DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell, and most importantly Vic Fangio are all staying with the team. Howie Roseman will go on to make up for the losses by adding valued players or drafting fresh talent. Despite the changes, Philly will be just fine.

The team signed Saquon Barkley to a better deal as one of its first moves during free agency and then they locked Zack Baun in through the 2027 season. The team will look to add defensive backs and safeties in the coming days. The Eagles are hoping to repeat their success of last season in the upcoming year. Their divisional rivals, the Washington Commanders have been actively making moves in free agency which is why Philly cannot fall behind in upgrading their roster.