The New Orleans Saints are trading defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to the Philadelphia Eagles, multiple outlets reported Tuesday.
Contract extension talks between Gardner-Johnson and the Saints reportedly broke down before New Orleans opted to trade the 2019 fourth-round pick.
The Saints will receive the Eagles’ fifth-round pick in 2023 and the worst of their two sixth-round picks in 2024 in exchange, while Philadelphia also receives New Orleans’ seventh-round pick in 2025, ESPN reported.
Following the acquisition, the Eagles are planning to release starting safety Anthony Harris, according to ESPN.
Gardner-Johnson, 24, is due to earn $2.54 million this season in the final year of his rookie deal. He had limited his participation in training camp while seeking a new deal.
Gardner-Johnson had 46 tackles, three interceptions and two sacks in 12 games (11 starts) last season. He totaled 161 tackles, five picks and three sacks in 43 games (31 starts) over three seasons.
Harris, 30, started 14 games and registered 72 tackles and one interception in his first season with Philadelphia in 2021. He spent his previous six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and led the NFL with six interceptions in 2019.
Gardner-Johnson is expected to become a full-time safety with the Eagles, replacing Harris, after playing mostly as a slot defender in New Orleans.
–Field Level Media
