Texans Make Strategic Moves with Trade Acquisition and New Signings

The Houston Texans are making waves by acquiring Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in a trade for left guard Kenyon Green, according to ESPN sources. The transaction also includes a draft pick exchange, with the Eagles receiving a 2026 fifth-rounder while the Texans secure a 2026 sixth-round pick. Known for his knack for intercepting passes, Gardner-Johnson snagged six interceptions with the Eagles in 2024 and 2022 through separate periods. This move follows the Texans’ loss of their starting safety Eric Murray to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who signed him on a three-year, $22.5 million deal during free agency, making Gardner-Johnson an ideal replacement.

In another strategic agreement, the Texans have got free agent guard Laken Tomlinson on board, ESPN reports confirm. Furthermore, Houston is retaining veteran defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. with a two-year, $9.5 million contract. Gardner-Johnson joins a robust Houston pass defense that was sixth in the league for passing yards allowed (201) and ranked 13th in scoring defense (21.9 points per game). His career tally of 18 interceptions complements the Texans’ defense, which ranked second in league interceptions last year with 19. Gardner-Johnson has publicly acknowledged the trade, expressing his affection for Philadelphia through a series of X posts on Tuesday morning.

This development marks the Texans’ second significant offensive line trade since the free agency period opened. Tomlinson, aged 33, showcased his reliability last season with the Seattle Seahawks by starting every game at left guard and participating in over 99% of offensive snaps. Meanwhile, Green, who started 23 games for the Texans, was benched in 2024 after difficulties in protecting quarterback C.J. Stroud. On the defensive end, Edwards, who earned 12 starts last season, contributed 31 tackles and three sacks to the Texans’ efforts.