The Detroit Lions entered the offseason hoping to revamp their secondary, and they’ve certainly done a great job of that in the first week of free agency.
After already signing cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley, the Lions made a big move on Sunday with the addition of free-agent safety Chauncey “C.J.” Gardner-Johnson.
Detroit has signed Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal worth up to $8 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Sunday night.
Gardner-Johnson, 25, was tied for the NFL lead in interceptions in 2022 with six. And that was while playing just 12 regular-season games. He was placed on the injured reserve on Dec. 13 after suffering a lacerated kidney. He returned to play in the Eagles’ three postseason games, including the Super Bowl.
After playing his first three seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Gardner-Johnson joined the Eagles in 2022 and was a key part of the NFC champion squad.
Gardner-Johnson offers versatility as a defensive back, with the ability to play safety and the nickel/slot corner.
It’s early in the offseason, and the Lions have already added Gardner-Johnson, Sutton, Moseley, running back David Montgomery, and guard Graham Glasnow. Detroit also has the No. 6, 18, 48, and 55 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Lions won nine games in 2022, and they’re likely to enter the 2023 season as the clear NFC North favorites.
About Matt Clapp
Matt is an editor/writer at The Comeback and Awful Announcing.
He can be reached by email at mclapp@thecomeback.com.