Overview

• On The Pivot podcast, Gardner-Johnson withdrew his remark that the Eagles were “scared of a competitor” and apologized to players such as Jalen Carter, A.J. Brown and Lane Johnson.
• He explained that conversations with GM Howie Roseman about cutting or trading him for cap relief were the primary drivers of his deal to Houston, not personal issues with coaches or teammates.
• The Eagles traded Gardner-Johnson and a 2026 sixth-round pick to the Texans in exchange for guard Kenyon Green and a 2025 fifth-round pick to free up salary-cap space.
• Despite walking back his harshest comments, he maintained that Philadelphia’s front office struggled to accommodate his outspoken style and competitive intensity.
• Gardner-Johnson said Texans leadership has embraced him and that he plans to channel his playmaking edge into strengthening Houston’s secondary.