Sources: Texans land S Gardner-Johnson from Eagles for OL Green - ESPN

HOUSTON — The Texans are trading for Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson in exchange for left guard Kenyon Green, sources told ESPN.

The deal also includes a pick swap, with the Eagles getting a 2026 fifth-round pick and the Texans getting a 2026 sixth-rounder. Gardner-Johnson is a known ball hawk, with six interceptions in 2024 and 2022 for the Eagles in separate stints. The Texans lost starting safety Eric Murray to the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $22.5 million deal in free agency, so they'll use Gardner-Johnson to fill that void.

The Texans also agreed to a deal with free agent guard Laken Tomlinson, sources confirmed to ESPN. The deal was first reported by NFL Network.

In addition, Houston is bringing back veteran defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. on a two-year, $9.5 million contract, a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

Gardner-Johnson joins a Houston pass defense that ranked sixth in passing yards allowed (201) and 13th in scoring defense (21.9). Gardner-Johnson's 18 career interceptions fit right in with what the Texans' defense did last year as they ranked second in interceptions (19).

Gardner-Johnson acknowledged the trade, expressing his «love» for Philadelphia in a series of X posts Tuesday morning.

«This decision wasn't mine, but I walk away proud of what we built together,» Gardner-Johnson wrote. «To my teammates: Brothers, we bled, cursed, and laughed through it all. To the coaches and front office: Thank you for trusting a kid from Florida with a chip on his shoulder to lead this defense. And to the Philly Faithful — you're unmatched. You embraced my edge and fire, for this game even when I got too hot.»

This is the Texans' second trade regarding the offensive line since the