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DJ Bien-AimeMar 11, 2025, 10:35 AM ET
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- DJ Bien-Aime covers the Houston Texans for ESPN. He joined ESPN in July of 2022 after overlaying the New York Jets for the New York Day by day Information. He is a former athlete who completed his school profession at Louisville. You’ll catch DJ on ESPN Radio on his display “Talkin’ Texans.”
HOUSTON — The Texans are buying and selling for Philadelphia Eagles protection C.J. Gardner-Johnson in change for left guard Kenyon Inexperienced, assets informed ESPN.
The deal additionally features a pick out change, with the Eagles getting a 2026 fifth-round pick out and the Texans getting a 2026 sixth-rounder. Gardner-Johnson is a recognized ball hawk, with six interceptions in 2024 and 2022 for the Eagles in separate stints. The Texans misplaced beginning protection Eric Murray to the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-year, $22.5 million deal in loose company, so they’re going to use Gardner-Johnson to fill that void.
The Texans additionally agreed to a handle loose agent guard Laken Tomlinson, assets showed to ESPN. The deal used to be first reported by means of NFL Community.
As well as, Houston is bringing again veteran defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. on a two-year, $9.5 million contract, a supply informed ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
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Gardner-Johnson joins a Houston cross protection that ranked 6th in passing yards allowed (201) and thirteenth in scoring protection (21.9). Gardner-Johnson’s 18 profession interceptions are compatible proper in with what the Texans’ protection did remaining yr as they ranked moment in interceptions (19).
Gardner-Johnson stated the business, expressing his “love” for Philadelphia in a chain of X posts Tuesday morning.
“This determination wasn’t mine, however I stroll away pleased with what we constructed in combination,” Gardner-Johnson wrote. “To my teammates: Brothers, we bled, cursed, and laughed via all of it. To the coaches and entrance place of work: Thanks for trusting a child from Florida with a chip on his shoulder to guide this protection. And to the Philly Devoted — you are unrivaled. You embraced my edge and fireplace, for this sport even if I were given too sizzling.”
That is the Texans’ moment business in regards to the offensive line for the reason that starting of loose company. On Monday, Houston traded left take on Laremy Tunsil to the Washington Commanders for third- and seventh-rounders in 2025 and second-and fourth-rounders in 2026. The Commanders additionally will obtain a fourth-round pick out this spring from Houston.
Tomlinson, 33, spent remaining season with the Seattle Seahawks, extending his monitor document of sturdiness by means of beginning all 17 video games at left guard and taking part in in over 99% of the staff’s offensive snaps.
A primary-round pick out by means of the Detroit Lions in 2015, Tomlinson has been an iron guy, lacking just one sport in 10 seasons. He has made 155 begins for 4 groups whilst taking part in virtually solely at left guard.
Inexperienced began 23 video games in his profession for the Texans however used to be benched in 2024 after suffering to offer protection to quarterback C.J. Stroud. Houston additionally launched beginning proper guard Shaq Mason prior to the beginning of loose company.
Edwards made 12 begins for the Texans remaining season, tallying 31 tackles and 3 sacks.
ESPN’s Brady Henderson contributed to this file.
