PHILADELPHIA — The Eagles acquired defensive again Chauncey Gardner-Johnson from the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday.
The Eagles obtained Gardner-Johnson and the Saints’ 2025 seventh-round draft choose for a 2023 fifth-round draft choose and the latter of their two sixth-round draft picks in 2024.
Gardner-Johnson, who has expertise each as a slot nook and security, is predicted to play security in Philadelphia.
The Eagles created a gap at beginning security earlier than the commerce by releasing veteran Anthony Harris. Gardner-Johnson can be paired with Marcus Epps within the again finish.
Gardner-Johnson is within the final 12 months of his rookie deal and was searching for a brand new contract. He didn’t absolutely take part in follow throughout the starting of camp, sitting out of staff drills and at occasions simply doing walk-throughs, successfully holding in whereas asking for a brand new deal.
He returned to full participation on Aug. 8 and Allen stated on the time that might be the expectation going ahead. He was a full participant after that.
Gardner-Johnson had stated this summer season that he thought he was the most effective nickel cornerback within the NFL.
The Saints have depth at cornerback after buying Bradley Roby in a with the Houston Texans final summer season and drafting Alontae Taylor within the second spherical this 12 months.
Gardner-Johnson, 24, was chosen within the fourth spherical of the 2019 draft by the Saints. He posted a career-high three interceptions final season and added seven passes defensed, two sacks and 4 tackles for loss. He has 28 passes defensed over three seasons.
Security was thought to be the thinnest place on an in any other case sound Eagles roster. They signed former San Francisco 49ers security Jaquiski Tartt to a one-year deal in June, however he had a quiet summer season total and he additionally was launched.
Gardner-Johnson has the vary and place flexibility defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon seems to be for in defensive backs.
Harris, 30, performed six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings earlier than signing with the Eagles in free company in 2021. He had 72 tackles, an interception and three passes defensed over 14 video games final season, lacking time with a number of accidents.
ESPN’s Katherine Terrell contributed to this report.
