Former Florida DB CJ Gardner-Johnson reacts to Mark Ingram trade

New Orleans Saints safety CJ Gardner-Johnson had just one thing on his mind following the news that the Saints acquired running back Mark Ingram from the Houston Texans on Wednesday.

“Let the bidding begin…”, Gardner-Johnson, who wears the No. 22 Ingram wore for six seasons with the Saints, said.

Mark Ingram, who started his career in New Orleans and played eight seasons with the organization from 2011-2017, initially chose No. 28 during his first two years with the Saints before getting his preferred No. 22, which he wore until the end of his first tenure with the team. In his two years in Baltimore, Ingram wore No. 21. In seven games with Houston this season, Ingram wore No. 2.

Currently, New Orleans quarterback Jameis Winston wears No. 2, cornerback Bradley Roby, formerly of the Texans as well, wears No. 21 and backup running back Devine Ozigbo wears No. 28.

I understand what the number means to Mark, the organization and fans of New Orleans… but come holla at me 🤞🏾💰💯

— Ceedy Duce. (@CGJXXIII) October 27, 2021

Gardner-Johnson later tweeted he “low key” wants to wear No. 8

CJ Gardner-Johnson was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. In his third year with the organization, the Florida product plays with intimidating physicality and has been a versatile piece for the Saints defense. In three seasons, Gardner-Johnson was garnered 133 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, 23 pass deflections and two interceptions.

This season, the Saints are sitting at 4-2 but have gotten little going offensively beyond star running back Alvin Kamara. The second-leading rusher behind Kamara, who has garnered 419 yards on the ground, is quarterback Jameis Winston, with just 126 yards in six games. Through the air, Kamara is the Saints’ second-leading reciever, trailing only Marquez Callaway, with 241 receiving yards and four touchdowns. 

The addition of Mark Ingram gives the Saints a physical downhill runner in short-yardage situations and a formidable compliment in the backfield beside Kamara. In his 11-year career, Ingram has rushed for 7,618 yards and 63 touchdowns along with 1,919 yards receiving and 10 touchdowns through the air. In his career, Ingram has been selected to three Pro Bowls.

Houston Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks took to Twitter to voice his displeasure with the trade of Ingram, who was the Texans’ leading rusher. 

“This is bullshit. Such a joke,” Cooks said on Twitter.

Cooks, who is no stranger to trades, having been traded three times in his eight year career, likely could get moved as it appears that the Texans are in a fire sale of their veterans before the trade deadline on Nov. 2.