Just when you thought it was safe to go to bed on a Sunday night, Lions GM Brad Holmes strikes with a big free agent signing.
Per numerous sources, the Lions are signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson as a free agent. Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network confirms it’s a one-year deal worth $8 million total, of which $6.5 million is guaranteed.
Gardner-Johnson spent 2022 in Philadelphia after being traded by the New Orleans Saints. He played in New Orleans under Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and head coach Dan Campbell.
Gardner-Johnson is primarily a safety but the plays the nickel/slot role as well as more traditional split safety looks.
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