The wage cap is a merciless grasp. Free company has introduced many surprises within the NFL, however maybe none extra surprising than C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s departure from the Philadelphia Eagles in early March. Though the star security had saved a low profile since then, he broke his silence immediately, criticizing the group for a budget shot.
Gardner-Johnson was in his second stint with the Eagles after an preliminary try in 2022. The seven-year veteran arrived in Philadelphia from the Detroit Lions for the 2024 season and was traded final March to the Houston Texans in alternate for offensive lineman Kenyon Inexperienced.
The College of Florida product had a robust yr in Philadelphia, recording 59 tackles, 35 solo, and returning six interceptions for 116 yards and a landing. Regardless of this, the entrance workplace let him go, and Gardner-Johnson is not very completely happy about it.
Gardner-Johnson’s anger
In an interview with The Philly Instances, Gardner-Johnson criticized the Eagles, saying, “Individuals confirmed me their true colours once I bought traded.” Nevertheless, in a publish on X (previously Twitter), the participant made it clear that his disappointment is barely with the group, emphasizing, “My followers have all the time been stable! Love Philly Nation 4L!”
Moreover, the protection confirmed he is prepared to start the following chapter of his profession, congratulating the groups that performed within the males’s NCAA Basketball Event ultimate. “So I performed in Houston, went to Florida, they usually each are within the championship recreation.”
Within the newest publish of this lengthy sequence, Gardner-Johnson despatched a message to the Cougars followers after the loss to the Gators. “Houston, we’re gonna be alright, lol. Ceedy’s right here. Congrats to my Florida Gators,” the participant stated, exhibiting his commitement to his new metropolis.
The Eagles vs. the wage cap
Gardner-Johnson joined the Eagles on a three-year, $27 million contract, with a base wage of $7.75 million for the 2025 season. With little room underneath their wage cap, the Eagles needed to maneuver to make room for brand spanking new signings, and Gardner-Johnson discovered himself on the unsuitable facet of the restructuring.
In spite of everything was stated and finished with Philadelphia, the brand new Texans star made it clear that he is prepared to maneuver on. Nevertheless, that does not imply he’ll quickly overlook the affront he suffered by the hands of the Eagles’ entrance workplace.