The 2022 C.J. Gardner-Johnson Trade: Philadelphia Found a League-Leading Ballhawk for Late Picks
Philadelphia acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a seventh-rounder from New Orleans for fifth- and sixth-round selections. He tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions during a Super Bowl run.
New Orleans Saints Received
- pick 2023 5th round pick (165th overall subsequently traded, Terell Smith )
- pick 2024 6th round pick (199th overall, Khristian Boyd)
Philadelphia Eagles Received
- pick C.J. Gardner-Johnson and 2025 7th round pick (223rd overall subsequently traded, Damien Martinez )
Trade Summary
Philadelphia acquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a seventh-round pick for fifth- and sixth-round selections. Gardner-Johnson tied for the league lead with six interceptions despite missing time and helped the Eagles reach Super Bowl LVII. New Orleans recovered limited draft value while surrendering a versatile defender at the start of his prime.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Philadelphia acquired defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a future seventh-round pick from New Orleans just before the 2022 season. The Saints received future fifth- and sixth-round selections. The compensation was modest because Gardner-Johnson was entering the final year of his rookie contract and contract-extension talks in New Orleans had stalled.
Why the Eagles Got Immediate Value
Philadelphia moved Gardner-Johnson from his slot-heavy role into a broader safety job and quickly unlocked his ball production. He intercepted six passes in his first nine games, missed more than five games with a lacerated kidney and still finished tied for the NFL lead in interceptions. The Eagles went 14-3 and advanced to Super Bowl LVII.
That single season alone produced more high-leverage value than teams normally expect from a fifth- and sixth-round package. Gardner-Johnson supplied takeaways, versatility and attitude to one of the league's best defenses during a championship run.
What New Orleans Received
The Saints recovered draft capital rather than allowing a contract dispute to linger. Those selections had real roster-building value, but neither represented premium compensation for a starting defensive back entering his prime.
A Necessary Distinction
Gardner-Johnson later returned to Philadelphia as a free agent and helped another Eagles team win a championship. That second stint should not be credited directly to the 2022 trade, even though it reinforces how well the player fit the organization.
Final Verdict
The Philadelphia Eagles Win verdict is strong. The acquisition cost was low, and Gardner-Johnson immediately produced league-leading takeaway numbers on a team that reached the Super Bowl.