Philadelphia, PA – September 27, 2025 — What looked like a quick reunion between the Philadelphia Eagles and one of their most polarizing former defenders has ended in bitter disappointment.
Discover more
Philadelphia
Philly
Philadelphia’s
Less than 48 hours after arranging workouts with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, the Eagles presented an official contract offer. But instead of celebrating a return, Gardner-Johnson is walking away, calling the proposal an insult.
According to sources, the Eagles’ front office offered a one-year deal valued at $10.109 million, structured with $0 guaranteed money and multiple void years designed only to reduce the immediate cap hit. The unusual setup left Gardner-Johnson furious.
Discover more
Philadelphia’s
Philadelphia
Philly
“I came back to Philly hoping for respect, but after two days of workouts, I realized respect doesn’t come with lowball offers,” Gardner-Johnson said Thursday. “I’ve given too much to this game to settle for less, and I won’t sign under those terms.”
The 27-year-old safety, a key playmaker in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl LIX run, was released by the Houston Texans earlier this week following locker-room clashes and disputes over his role. The Eagles, desperate for secondary depth, moved quickly to explore a reunion.
But Gardner-Johnson’s comments reopen old wounds. His previous exit from Philadelphia in March was marked by criticism of the organization’s roster decisions. Many fans hoped this short workout stint signaled healing. Instead, it may deepen the divide.
The Eagles, undefeated at 3–0, must now look elsewhere for reinforcements behind veteran Darius Slay and rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. For Gardner-Johnson, the failed negotiations underscore a growing belief that his fiery personality and outspoken demands make him difficult to accommodate — even for teams in need of his playmaking.
What’s next remains unclear. Other contenders have been monitoring his availability, but his refusal to accept a non-guaranteed deal in Philadelphia suggests any future suitor will need to commit real money.
