Well, it wouldn't be a normal NFL season without former Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the news for his release.
Multiple outlets report that Gardner-Johnson was released by the Buffalo Bills after starting six games for them. He just finished serving a one-game suspension for spitting at a Las Vegas Raiders player in Week 7. In those six games, he racked up 26 tackles, two pass deflections, and one interception.
The first thought would be to yell at Eagles general manager Howie Roseman to potentially bring in Gardner-Johnson to help a really below-average safety room. There might be some reasons to pause on that idea.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson would really help the Eagles safeties out
Look, it's hard not to talk about the fact that Gardner-Johnson is a bit of a good luck charm for the Eagles. The two seasons he has played for the team in 2022 and 2024, they went to the Super Bowl both seasons and won in 2024.
Gardner-Johnson is a turnover machine and played major roles in the Eagles getting to the final game in February twice. His two best seasons where he tied career highs with six interceptions: they were with the Eagles in 2022 and 2024.
He does have a problem with containing his emotions on the field, which has gotten him in trouble. Still, that veteran leadership would be huge to have on an Eagles defense that is really struggling to stop many offenses.
Specifically, that safety room is in really rough shape. Michael Carter II has been the only consistent good player in that room, but he's injured. Andrew Mukuba shows potential, and defensive coordinator Vic Fangio believes in him, but he's inconsistent in pass coverage. Marcus Epps has not played well this season, and Kenny Moore is still learning the position.
Bringing in Gardner-Johnson is really tempting because he would make them better. He fit well in Fangios' defense in 2024 and helped propel that secondary to new heights.
Why it might be better for Eagles to leave C.J. Gardner-Johnson be for now
The Eagles are 2-6 right now. Gardner-Johnson improves the defense, but does this team really have a chance to make the postseason?
Philly's offense is so banged up, with Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, and Dontayvion Wicks hurt and out, while Saquon Barkley is playing hurt. Their offensive line has gone through so many different starters throughout the season.
Gardner-Johnson is not the kind of move that makes the Eagles Super Bowl contenders or playoff contenders right now. He would help them win games, but Eagles fans don't want that.
The better choice is to play young players to give them experience. Also, losing games wouldn't hurt either.
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A dream scenario where Gardner-Johnson ends his career in the midnight green would be cool, but it's not what the Eagles need for the moment. Philly has too big of problems for him to solve, so the Eagles should pass on him for now.
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