NFL Free Agency: Lions Reportedly Sign CJ Gardner-Johnson

NFL Free Agency: Lions reportedly sign CJ Gardner-Johnson – Pride Of Detroit to one-year deal

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The Detroit Lions continue to strengthen their secondary school by signing CJ Gardner-Johnson to a 1-year contract.

By Jeremy Reisman
on March 19, 2023 9:46 p.m

Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions add even more firepower to their secondary. After signing both Emmanuel Moseley and Cameron Sutton to bolster cornerback space in free agency, the Lions are reportedly adding one of free agency’s bigger pieces. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, The Lions sign former Eagles defenseman CJ Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal. Per NFL Network, The contract is valued at $8 million, of which $6.5 million is guaranteed.

Gardner-Johnson is a versatile play that can play both cornerback and safety. Last year, he was tied for the NFL lead with six interceptions.

He is also a familiar face to this regime. Gardner-Johnson played for three years in New Orleans with the Saints, along with Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.

Gardner-Johnson is joining a safety group that includes Tracy Walker – who is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon – and Kerby Joseph, who recorded four interceptions in his 2022 rookie season.

This secondary — who was one of the worst units in the NFL last year — suddenly took a full 180 and can now be considered one of the team’s strengths. With Gardner-Johnson in the crease, Detroit’s entire starting group, if they’re in their nickel defense, could very well be new faces.

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