The Philadelphia Eagles are losing key defensive players, with C.J. Gardner-Johnson joining a growing list of players to sign elsewhere in free agency. The defensive secondary was a major reason for the team’s success last season, but Gardner-Johnson’s departure may be the toughest to compensate for this offseason. The converted slot cornerback played from multiple alignments and helped the defense disguise and match coverages with his versatility. While the Eagles struggled against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, the team’s pass defense ranked number one in several metrics last season. The Eagles will have to look for replacements for Gardner-Johnson, as well as for other defensive players who signed elsewhere during the first week of free agency.
The Detroit Lions have reportedly agreed to a one-year contract with free agent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The 25-year-old will earn $8 million next season, with the deal effectively serving as a prove-it contract. Despite his impact with the Philadelphia Eagles last year, Gardner-Johnson’s salary is below what he was seeking in the market. He joins the Lions after just one productive season with the Eagles.
Gardner-Johnson was traded to the Eagles from the New Orleans Saints last August, with the Eagles hoping to increase his market value after the Saints and he couldn’t agree on a contract extension. Gardner-Johnson had six interceptions in 12 games, despite missing time due to a lacerated kidney suffered mid-season. He previously played slot cornerback with the Saints but switched to safety with the Eagles.
The Eagles made a multi-year offer to Gardner-Johnson earlier in the week, but he was seeking a better deal. While Gardner-Johnson explored the market, the Eagles re-signed All-Pro cornerback James Bradberry and signed veteran corner Darius Slay to a two-year extension. The safety market has been volatile this year, with most top free agents settling for below-market deals. The lone exception is new Falcons safety Jessie Bates, who signed a three-year deal with an annual average of $16 million.
The Eagles’ initial offer was reportedly worth more than what Gardner-Johnson ultimately signed for with the Lions. However, he was seeking a salary just below that of Bates, and the Eagles’ offer wasn’t there. The move leaves the Eagles thin in the safety position, with the team looking to fill the gap left by Gardner-Johnson’s departure.
Philadelphia Eagles fans may be feeling the loss of another defensive standout, with C.J. Gardner-Johnson joining a growing list of key contributors to sign elsewhere in free agency. Gardner-Johnson was one of several defensive players who signed elsewhere during the first week of free agency, including defensive tackle Javon Hargrave, linebackers T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White, and fellow starting safety Marcus Epps.
Gardner-Johnson’s departure may be the toughest to compensate for this offseason, as he played from multiple alignments and helped the defense disguise and match coverages with his versatility. While the Eagles struggled against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, the team’s pass defense ranked number one in several metrics last season, with the defensive secondary playing a major role.
The Eagles went into their last training camp with questionable options at safety, and they may have to do so again. Second-year safety Reed Blankenship played well in relief of Gardner-Johnson last season, despite being an undrafted rookie out of Middle Tennessee State.
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