Alright, let’s dive into this trade between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Houston Texans that’s got everyone buzzing. The Eagles sent C.J. Gardner-Johnson, a versatile defensive back, along with a 6th-round draft pick to Houston. In return, they snagged 23-year-old guard Kenyon Green and a 5th-round pick. This isn’t just a straight player-for-player swap—it’s a deal that could tweak both teams’ draft plans moving forward. So, who is this Kenyon Green guy, and what’s the story behind him? Here’s everything you need to know, broken down into five key chunks.
Kenyon Green’s Roots and Rise
Kenyon Green’s journey starts in Humble, Texas, a stone’s throw from Houston. Growing up, he was a football phenom at Atascocita High School, where he turned heads and racked up recruiting hype. By 2022, he was the top-ranked recruit in Texas, edging out big names like Garrett Wilson and Lewis Cine—who, fun fact, is now an Eagle himself. Green had his pick of colleges and initially committed to LSU, but he flipped his decision and stayed close to home, signing with Texas A&M.
At A&M, Green didn’t waste any time making an impression. Picture this: it’s the summer of 2019, he’s a true freshman, and just one week into practice, the coaches slot him into the first-team offense at right guard. “I ain’t seen an age limit in the rule book,” his coach Jimbo Fisher quipped to The Athletic. “If you’re the best player, you play.” And Green proved it, starting every single one of the 35 games he played in college. He didn’t stick to one spot either—he shifted to left guard as a sophomore, then right tackle as a junior, his final year. His versatility and grit earned him serious cred, including a nod as the SEC’s best offensive lineman in a USA Today poll before the 2021 season. Oh, and he capped it off as a unanimous All-American. Not too shabby, right?
A Draft Pick with an Eagles Twist
Here’s where it gets interesting. The Texans didn’t just pluck Green out of thin air—they drafted him with a pick they got from the Eagles. Rewind to Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft: the Eagles traded picks No. 15, 124, 162, and 166 to Houston to jump up to No. 13, where they nabbed Georgia defensive tackle Jordan Davis. The Texans, meanwhile, used that No. 15 pick to select Green, making him the highest-drafted offensive lineman in their franchise history. So, in a weird way, the Eagles helped put Green on the Texans’ roster, and now they’ve brought him full circle to Philly.
A Rocky Rookie Year and Beyond
Green stepped into the NFL under the guidance of former Eagles linebacker DeMeco Ryans, who was coaching the Texans’ defense at the time (and is now their head coach). As a rookie in 2022, Green started 14 games at left guard, but let’s just say it wasn’t a highlight reel. Among 65 guards who played at least 500 snaps, his Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of 37.7 was the lowest. He gave up 47 quarterback pressures—fourth-most among guards—and racked up 12 penalties, tying for second-most. It was a baptism by fire, and he took some lumps.
Then came 2023. Green’s second season was over before it even started. On August 27, in a preseason clash with the Saints at the Superdome, he suffered a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the entire year. Talk about tough luck.
Struggles Continue in 2024
Green bounced back for the 2024 season, determined to turn things around. He appeared in 12 games, starting nine, but the struggles persisted. His PFF grade crept up to 38.6—still dead last among 66 guards with 500+ snaps. He allowed 28 pressures and committed seven penalties. Then, in Week 9 against the Jets at MetLife Stadium, that pesky shoulder acted up again, knocking him out for five games. He returned for the Texans’ final three games but stayed on the bench, no longer a starter. Texans beat writer Chris Schad didn’t mince words last month: “He has fallen woefully short of expectations in his first three seasons.” Ouch.
A New Chapter with the Eagles
So, why are the Eagles taking a chance on Green? If he cracks the lineup, he’ll be the fifth offensive lineman in the last 30 years to go from being a first-round pick by another team to suiting up for Philly. The list includes Ron Hallstrom (No. 22 in 1982, started 8 games in 1993), Steve Everitt (No. 14 in 1993, started 45 games in the late ‘90s), Chance Warmack (No. 10 in 2013, started 3 games in 2017), and Mekhi Becton (No. 11 in 2020, started 15 games last year). It’s a mixed bag—some panned out, others didn’t.
Green’s not the first Texan-to-Eagle transplant, either. Players like Jason Babin, DeMeco Ryans, Connor Barwin, Brandon Brooks, and Zach Cunningham have made the same jump. Even Thomas Booker, a current Eagle, was a 2022 Texans draftee alongside Green. There’s a pipeline here, and the Eagles are tapping it again.
What’s Next for Green in Philly?
The Eagles’ offensive line has been a powerhouse, but with veterans aging and contracts winding down, they’re looking ahead. Green’s only 23, and despite his NFL woes, he’s got the raw tools—size, strength, and that college versatility. Maybe the Eagles’ top-notch coaching staff, led by offensive line guru Jeff Stoutland, sees something they can mold. Plus, Green’s time under DeMeco Ryans in Houston might give Philly some insider intel on how to get the best out of him.
This trade’s a gamble, no doubt. Green was a college stud—Jimbo Fisher called him “one of the most talented linemen I’ve ever coached” for his work ethic and drive—but the pros have been a different beast. His PFF grades are ugly, and those shoulder injuries raise red flags. Still, a fresh start could be the spark he needs. If the Eagles can harness what made him a first-round talent, they might just turn this swap into a steal. For now, it’s wait-and-see—will Green find his footing in Philly, or will he be another name on the “what could’ve been” list? Either way, it’s a storyline worth watching.