Lots of problems for the Eagles, who struggled in their second preseason game, a 22-13 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Almost every expected starter for the Eagles did not play. Even McKee got the day off after his strong performance last week in the preseason opener.

The safety provided both the swagger and volatility the Eagles’ defense wanted to reclaim. That Roseman spent a second-round pick on Drew Mukuba to backfill the trade signaled how much the team valued the role Gardner-Johnson fulfilled.

Mukuba did not play in the 34-27 Eagles preseason opening win over the Bengals last Thursday due to a shoulder injury. The second-round pick made up for his absence.