The Detroit Lions continue their secondary fortification by signing CJ Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal.
Bill Streicher – USA Today Sports
The Detroit Lions are adding more firepower to their minor league. After signing both Emmanuel Moseley and Cameron Sutton to beef up corner room in free agency, the Lions are reportedly adding one of their biggest free agency chops. 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 value is $8 million, of which $6.5 million is guaranteed.
Gardner-Johnson is a versatile piece that can play both a nickel and a safety corner. Last year, he was tied for leading the NFL with six interceptions.
He is also a familiar face of this system. Gardner Johnson played three years in New Orleans with the Saints, along with both Lions head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Gardner Johnson joins the safety group that includes Tracy Walker — who is recovering from an Achilles tear — and Kirby Joseph, who recorded four interceptions in his rookie season in 2022.
This minor—which was one of the worst units in the NFL last year—suddenly got a perfect 180, and can now be seen as one of the team’s strengths. With Gardner-Johnson in the fold, it could be the entire Detroit starting lineup when you’re in the nickel defense are fresh faces.
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