How the Saints actually won the Chauncey Gardner-Johnson trade in one way
Surprising but true!
The New Orleans Saints were ridiculed for trading Chauncey Gardner-Johnson before last season. They received a fifth-round pick as well as a sixth-round selection in return for the safety and a seventh-round selection.
The Eagles were viewed as the clear winners of the deal, which made sense at the time. CGJ was a solid defensive back that was still on an affordable deal at a young age.
There was an issue in New Orleans, though. Gardner-Johnson and the Saints could not agree on a long-term deal, and he wanted one.
The young defender was looking for long-term security from his team, and the Saints were not going to give that to him at his price.
Emotions began to boil over, and that led to frustrations between Gardner-Johnson, staff, and players to a degree.
Ultimately, they had to separate, and the Saints had little leverage when it came to compensation for him in a trade.
Fast forward a season. Gardner-Johnson performed well for the Eagles for the most part when healthy. He had inconsistencies, but you couldn't argue with his ball production.
That being said, the Eagles clearly weren't interested in Gardner-Johnson on a long-term deal at the price he preferred. He walked away from a multi-year offer from Philly and signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions today.
That will land the Eagles one compensation pick that is projected to be in the sixth round in 2024.
The Saints got more in return for Garner-Johnson when it comes to draft compensation when he left, so that is a small victory.
