The Lions made a big splash in free agency on Sunday, reportedly agreeing to a deal with former Eagles defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Per NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, the safety is headed to Detroit on a one-year, $8 million deal which includes $6.5 million in fully guaranteed money.
Gardner-Johnson, who was one of the top free agents left on the market, recorded a league-high six interceptions last year, playing a key role in Philadelphia’s run to the Super Bowl. The 25-year-old recorded 67 tackles, eight pass defenses and five tackles for loss across 12 games, but after just one season in Philly he’ll be joining the Lions on a one-year deal.
The Eagles traded for Gardner-Johnson ahead of the 2022 season, sending a fifth and sixth-round pick to the Saints in exchange. The four-year veteran missed five games due to a lacerated kidney, but was available for all three of Philly’s playoff games on its run to Super Bowl LVII.
Gardner-Johnson is the third defensive back the Lions have added this offseason as they look to fix what was a glaring weakness in 2022. He'll join fellow DB acquisitions Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley in Detroit, both of whom signed with the team in free agency.
Additionally, the former fourth-round pick has connections with Detroit's coaching staff, having played under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn during his tenure with the Saints.
