Houston acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round…

The Exchange

Philadelphia and Houston swapped veteran former first-round talents in March 2025. The Eagles received guard Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick. The Texans received safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round pick. The draft choices were later moved again, but the original exchange clearly gave Philadelphia the higher of the two future selections.

Houston Texans Return

Houston acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round choice from Philadelphia for Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round choice. Gardner-Johnson started the Texans' first three games and made 15 tackles before Houston released him. Green also failed to stick in Philadelphia, so neither veteran became a lasting centerpiece and the one-round draft-position difference keeps the return close.

Philadelphia Eagles Return

Philadelphia sent C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round pick to Houston for Kenyon Green and a 2026 fifth-round pick. Green never developed into a meaningful Eagles regular-season contributor and was waived in September. Gardner-Johnson started Houston's first three games but was also released in September, leaving the late-round pick swap as the deal's most durable value.

Value in Hindsight

The trade looked like a classic change-of-scenery bet for both clubs. Instead, neither player lasted through September with the acquiring team. That sharply reduces the importance of the original player-for-player comparison and pushes attention toward the pick swap, where Philadelphia held a modest one-round advantage.

Final Verdict

Even Trade. Philadelphia and Houston each receive a C-plus. The Eagles had slightly better draft position, while the Texans received three starts from Gardner-Johnson. Neither side turned the transaction into enough sustained football value to deserve a clear win.