Latest news with #CJGardnerJohnson
Yahoo
2 days ago
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- Yahoo
Eagles Pro Bowler Speaks Out on Impressive ‘Draft Steal' Rookie
Eagles Pro Bowler Speaks Out on Impressive 'Draft Steal' Rookie originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Many analysts and scouts loved what the Philadelphia Eagles were able to do during the 2025 Draft. The organization replenished its defense with immediate impact stars from some of the best colleges in the country. Linebacker Jihaad Campbell, defensive tackle Ty Robinson, and cornerback Mac McWilliams could all help the Eagles out on that side of the ball this year. Advertisement Of all the defensive players drafted by the team in April, though, one stands out above the rest. Texas safety Andrew Mukuba was Philadelphia's second-round selection … and could be a steal. His athleticism and ball-hawking abilities had some analysts predicting he could go as high as a late first-round pick. Through offseason workouts, Mukuba has stood out the most to Pro Bowl receiver DeVonta Smith. "Just seeing him out there, seeing the way he moves around, things like that, the way he goes about his business," Smith said during his celebrity softball game this weekend. Mukuba will compete with former third-round safety Sydney Brown for a starting role on Philadelphia's top-ranked defense. Advertisement Both Brown and Mukuba will be under tremendous pressure this season. The winner of their position battle will be tasked with replacing a star in C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The outspoken defender led the team in interceptions last year with six and was key to establishing Philadelphia's physical identity on that side of the ball. If Smith is right, Mukuba could be an early favorite to fit in Gardner-Johnson's shoes. Or, at the very least, he can be a serviceable player at an important position on their defense. Related: 'Overlooked' Rookie Poised As Next Late-Round Gem in Eagles Roster Pipeline Related: Eagles All-Pro Sounds Off On 'Evolution' of Nick Sirianni This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New Texans DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson listed as extension candidate before taking field
New Texans DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson listed as extension candidate before taking field originally appeared on Athlon Sports. When the Texans made the move to acquire an anchor in the secondary earlier in the offseason, there were some questions around the long-term impact of the move. The organization moved on from one of its former first-round picks, guard Kenyon Green, but got one of the league's premier safeties in return. Advertisement While he hasn't taken a snap in Houston yet, that hasn't stopped the predictions from rolling in about new defensive cornerstone C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Recently, Moe Moton from Bleacher Report listed the Space City safety as the Texan who is most important for the organization to lock up for the long haul. Texans defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson was listed by Bleacher Report as the top candidate for an extension in Houston heading into the 2025 NFL Season.© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images "Typically, teams should wait for a new acquisition to take a snap before signing him to a new deal, but Gardner-Johnson is past the prove-it stage of his career," Moton said of the new Houston defensive back in his article. "He logged six interceptions in two of the last three seasons, recorded 12 pass breakups last year and plays multiple positions at a high level. The Texans know what they acquired when they traded for him. He's an underpaid addition with only $2 million guaranteed on his contract for the year." The full trade between the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans back in early March included Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round pick going to Houston while the Eagles got the aforementioned Kenyon Green and a 2025 fifth-round pick that turned into linebacker Smael Mondon Jr. Advertisement As Moton mentioned in his explanation for choosing Gardner-Johnson, the seventh-year defensive back has entered a stage in his career where he is veteran who has proved his worth and brings more than on-field skill to the organization. Across 74 games in his career, he has 18 interceptions, 51 pass deflections and 2 forced fumbles. His 2024 campaign was one of his best, with him tying his career high in interceptions with 6 and running one back 69 yards for his first career pick six in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys. Gardner-Johnson's impact extends beyond the field. The veteran has an off-field presence that is one of the biggest in the league and he will be a vocal lead in a deep defensive backs group this year in Houston. Advertisement "He [Gardner-Johnson] gonna bring a whole nother, like, just.. like Kamari [Lassiter], like craziness," Texans cornerback and defensive captain Derek Stingley Jr. told the media after the trade news broke. "I think he'll gel well with the rest of us and we're just gonna go out there and have fun." Now, it's a waiting game to see if Houston decides to lock up its new playmaker long term. Any deal would likely come before Texans training camp kicks off on July 22. Related: Texans' C.J. Stroud Jokingly Throws Jab at Bears QB Caleb Williams This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 23, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles' Reed Blankenship Could Be Next Up for Major Move
Eagles' Reed Blankenship Could Be Next Up for Major Move originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Following the offseason departures of cornerback Darius Slay and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the Philadelphia Eagles quickly became one of the youngest teams in the league along their secondary. Advertisement Young corners like Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, and Kelee Ringo now patrol the defensive backfield The elder statesman of the group has now changed as well. Former undrafted safety turned starter Reed Blankenship may only be 26 years old, but he's now become the longest-tenured player in Philadelphia's secondary. He's also in line for a contract extension this season. Blankenship is entering the final year of his rookie deal with the Eagles. During his four-year run with the team, he has accumulated eight picks, including a career-high four this past season. As the team gets ready for the month-long break before training camp, The Athletic reported that Blankenship remains in Philadelphia's plans. Advertisement "Fourth-year safety Reed Blankenship, who's entering the final year of his contract, is a candidate for a summer extension," The Athletic wrote this week. There's good reason to think a deal will be done. Not only is Blankenship a durable starter, but he's also an effective leader in the back end. He also has the trust of his coaching staff. "He's done a good job," Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said about Blankenship via Bleeding Green Nation last year. "He quarterbacks the secondary and leads the communication between them and the linebackers. So, he's very, very valuable." Blankenship won't be the only player in line for an extension this season, but he is someone that the Eagles want to keep. If they can find a way to agree, the Middle Tennessee product can continue his career with the same team that gave him a chance as a UDFA. Advertisement Related: Barkley's Rise Is Redefining Greatness Related: Eagles Analysis Wonders If Jalen Hurts Has Reached His Ceiling This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
C.J. Rips Eagles Odds of Super Bowl Repeat
C.J. Rips Eagles Odds of Super Bowl Repeat originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Ever since the Philadelphia Eagles traded him to the Houston Texans this offseason, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson has trashed his former team. Advertisement From criticism of former teammates to his former coach, Gardner-Johnson has done everything in his power to burn the bridges that brought him to Philly in the first place. He's at it again this week as well. During one of his Instagram livestreams, Gardner-Johnson read a comment that stated he would never see another ring without the Eagles. Instead of ignoring it as usual fan criticism, Gardner-Johnson spoke out. "That's crazy," Gardner-Johnson responded. "They probably won't see one without me. (Expletive) you talking about. You saw what happened when I left. I'm popping now. (Explitive) you talking about, I'm glad I'm in Texas. They say everything is better in Texas." Advertisement To be frank … It doesn't reflect well when a player is so thin-skinned that he is responding to fans around the league. That is who Gardner-Johnson is, though. He had an opportunity to be considered an all-time great Eagle even after his departure. The fanbase is always loyal to athletes who help them win championships even after they leave the city. Instead, Gardner-Johnson isn't interested in being a hero in the city. He would, it seems, rather be someone universally hated around the league. Considering he's on his fourth different team this year in as many seasons, it's clear he's OK with that. Advertisement The latest comments show a player who can't seem to let anything go. And while maybe a chip on his shoulder fuels him, we wonder if his volatile approach will be detrimental to his career and legacy across the NFL. Related: Eagles Young Lineman Labeled Breakout Candidate Related: Eagles Leader Says Three Rookies Are Turning Heads at Camp This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Quiet' Zack Baun Poised For Major Difference with Philadelphia Eagles
'Quiet' Zack Baun Poised For Major Difference with Philadelphia Eagles originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In the first five years of his career, Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun has never been a leader on any of the defenses he's played on. Advertisement That is about to change. The Eagles saw the departures of several of their defensive leaders from last season. Cornerback Darius Slay is in Pittsburgh, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson was traded to Houston, and edge rusher Brandon Graham retired. There's a hole in the team's leadership room on defense. The organization hopes Baun will step into that role. Throughout offseason workouts, the All-Pro was getting used to it. "It's kind of different for me," Baun said. "Obviously, I'm a quiet guy. I kinda don't say much and try to keep things to myself naturally. I'm more of a lead-by-example type guy, but as I feel more comfortable towards the guys in the locker room - I feel more natural talking to everyone and being that more vocal leader now." Advertisement With fellow linebackers like Jihaad Campbell and Nakobe Dean recovering from injuries, Baun - in a major ask - will need to do more than just be an All-Pro in 2025. He'll need to produce on the field but help keep the unit afloat from a leadership perspective. Philadelphia is counting on him to be the kind of leader many legends have been in past years. If Baun can meet those demands, the Eagles unit should not miss a beat in their work toward a Super Bowl title defense. Related: Eagles Young Lineman Labeled Breakout Candidate Related: Eagles Leader Says Three Rookies Are Turning Heads at Camp This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
