Top remaining free agent DB to sign with Detroit Lions
Oct 16, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) reacts before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions have landed one of the top remaining free agents.
The Lions on Sunday agreed to a 1-year deal with CJ Gardner-Johnson. The deal is for $6.5 million and can be worth up to $8 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The #Lions are signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year, $8 million deal with $6.5M fully guaranteed signing, per sources.
His agent, Kevin Conner of @UniSportsMgmt, confirmed the deal, which reunites Gardner-Johnson, Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn. pic.twitter.com/RAIAdqYgPv
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 20, 2023
Gardner-Johnson had been disappointed not to receive in free agency what he was looking for. It seems like he may have settled for a 1-year deal with the intent of hitting the market again next offseason to see if he can secure a long-term deal.
The Philadelphia Eagles had some tough decisions to make in free agency. They were able to retain Darius Slay, James Bradberry and Fletcher Cox, but they let Gardner-Johnson go.
Detroit has now added Emmanuel Moseley, Cam Sutton and Gardner-Johnson to their defensive backfield this offseason. It will be interesting to see whether they play him at cornerback or use him at safety the way Philly did.
Gardner-Johnson had 67 tackles, a sack and six interceptions in 12 games for the Eagles last season.
