Eagles’ “side hoe” is ready for a Philly reunion and it makes perfect sense
The Philadelphia Eagles lost a few familiar names when free agency opened, including safety Reed Blankenship, who signed with the Houston Texans.
That move created a hole in the secondary, and one name that immediately jumps to mind is an old friend: CJ Gardner-Johnson.
And if you ask Gardner-Johnson, he’s more than open to the idea.
After Blankenship’s departure, CJGJ joked on social media about his relationship with the team, saying he’s basically “the side hoe” for the Birds. Because honestly, he kind of is at this point. The best thing about a side hoe is that they’re there when you need them most. In a pinch? Call the side piece. Just lost one of your starting safeties? Call the side piece.
Eagles should seriously consider bringing CJ Gardner-Johnson back
The Eagles already know what Gardner-Johnson brings to the table.
He’s a tone-setter. A trash talker. A guy who plays with the kind of edge this defense thrives on. And more importantly, he’s someone who has already produced in this defense and locker room.
The Eagles traded Gardner-Johnson before the 2025 season and he bounced around a bit afterward, ultimately landing with the Chicago Bears. Despite the movement, he still managed a productive year with 66 tackles, two interceptions, four passes defended, three sacks, and a forced fumble in 13 games.
For a defense that just lost multiple starters in free agency, bringing back a veteran who already understands the culture feels like the simplest solution possible.
Eagles could plug him right into the secondary
With Blankenship gone, the Eagles need help at safety. That’s just the reality.
Right now the expectation is that young pieces will step up, but a reunion with Gardner-Johnson would immediately stabilize things.
He could slide into the starting lineup alongside Andrew Mukuba and give the Eagles secondary a veteran presence while the younger guys continue to develop.
More importantly, CJGJ brings the swagger this defense feeds off.
When he was last here, the Eagles defense played fast, physical, and loud. That personality matters. This isn’t just about stats, it’s about identity.
The Eagles and CJ Gardner-Johnson always seem to find each other
At this point, Gardner-Johnson returning to Philadelphia for a third stint almost feels inevitable.
The guy already won a Super Bowl with the Eagles. He clearly still loves the city. And judging by his comments, he’d happily come back if the call came.
So if he’s the “side hoe,” as he jokingly put it, maybe it’s time the Eagles stop pretending and make things official again.
Because if the price is right, bringing CJGJ back to Philadelphia feels like one of the easiest decisions Howie Roseman could make this offseason.
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Love this. Howie the hoe master continuing making ex-players miss this organization, only to come back when the time is right is music to my ears. I’m sure Howie perfected the craft at the University of Florida.