It seems like the break-up of the vaunted Eagles’ 2022 defense is beginning. Safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson posted a soulful video on his social media last night, in what could only be deduced as a farewell to Philadelphia.
CJGJ was only with the Eagles for one season, but he definitely made an impact. He shared the NFL lead in interceptions with six, despite missing five games with a lacerated kidney.
Gardner-Johnson, like a few of the soon-to-be-former teammates, will test the free agency market, and be handsomely rewarded for how well they played in midnight green.
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The way the 2022 Eagles were constructed, it seemed all along that this team was a one-hit wonder. With so many players – particularly on the defensive side of the ball – playing on expiring contracts, keeping the unit together was impossible.
Howie Roseman admitted as such to the media a few weeks ago, when asked about retaining some of the team’s potential free agents.
“Even though maybe we don’t have the amount of picks this year, we have a bunch of high picks. Next year, we’ll have a tremendous amount of picks. We already have two additional picks from two trades that we made. Just by the sheer number of free agents, we’re going to have comp picks next year.”
This eventual exodus feels like the aftershock of the Eagles’ losing the Super Bowl, almost like losing the game all over again. Bear in mind, the team will still be very good next season. PointsBet lists the Eagles as NFC East front runners, and second-favorite to win the conference.
NFL
It’s just difficult to say goodbye.