Skip to main content
Advertising

Around the NFL

Former Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson signing one-year, $8 million deal with Lions

Published: Mar 19, 2023 at 09:45 PM
Author Image
Christian Gonzales

Digital Content Producer

The Detroit Lions are bolstering their defense in 2023.

Former Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson is signing a one-year, $8 million deal with the Lions, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported on Sunday night, per sources. Gardner-Johnson's deal includes $6.5 million fully guaranteed at signing, Pelissero added. The team announced the signing on Monday.

Related Links

In his first season in Philly, Gardner-Johnson had a career-high six interceptions. The fourth-year safety, who was acquired via trade from the Saints before the start of the 2022 season, played a big role in the Eagles' defense as ball-hawk in the middle of the field to help lead the team to its first Super Bowl appearance since 2017.

Ranked No. 3 in Gregg Rosenthal's top 101 free agents list, Gardner-Johnson's versatility paid dividends for Philly's defense last season and will be an interesting fit for the Lions.

The safety's season saw a setback in Week 12 when he suffered a lacerated kidney, forcing him to miss the next five games. He returned in Week 18, helping the Eagles secure the NFC's No. 1 seed.

Gardner-Johnson, 25, joins head coach Dan Campbell and the Lions, who are heading in the right direction after the team finished with a 9-8 record last year. Detroit's defense is trending up with Gardner-Johnson's addition, joining Aidan Hutchinson, Malcolm Rodriguez and newly acquired Cameron Sutton.

The Lions hold two first-round picks (No. 6 and 18 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft, so more defensive additions could be on the way in Detroit.

Related Content

news

Ravens clinch third straight playoff berth, stop Steelers from sewing up division 

The Baltimore Ravens earned a long overdue rivalry win against the Pittsburgh Steelers and clinched a postseason spot in the process on Saturday.
news

Texans' Tank Dell suffered 'significant' knee injury in loss to Chiefs; WR to remain in hospital overnight

Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell suffered a "significant" knee injury in Saturday's 27-19 loss to the Chiefs, and it will require him to remain in a Kansas City-area hospital overnight for further evaluation, head coach DeMeco Ryans announced.
news

Texans-Chiefs, Steelers-Ravens in Saturday doubleheader: What We Learned from Kansas City's win over Houston

The Kansas City Chiefs toppled the Houston Texans on Saturday, 27-19, securing an undefeated home record for the 2024 season and getting one step closer to locking in the AFC's No. 1 seed in the playoffs.
news

NFL news roundup: Chiefs DL Chris Jones to have MRI on strained calf; Ravens RB Justice Hill (concussion) ruled out vs. Steelers

NFL.com keeps you up to date with all of the latest league news from around the NFL. Visit NFL.com's transaction hub for a daily breakdown.
news

Week 16 Saturday inactives: Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs; Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens

The official inactives for Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens.
news

Rams TE Tyler Higbee ready for return from torn ACL: 'These guys may have to throw some water on me'

Eleven months ago, Rams tight end Tyler Higbee tore his ACL in a losing effort against the Lions on Super Wild Card Weekend. On Sunday, he will take on the New York Jets, fully recovered from his injury with Los Angeles pushing for another postseason trip.
news

Tank Dell still trying to become 'big factor' for Texans during down year: 'I know what I'm capable of'

Texans wide receiver Tank Dell hasn't had the second season he hoped for, but he's intent to keep developing his role and become a factor as Houston heads for the playoffs.
news

Myles Garrett wants to end career with Browns but isn't 'trying to rebuild'

While defensive end Myles Garrett wants to be a part of the Browns, he has no desire to partake in a rebuild, and he hopes Cleveland can illustrate a plan to him during the offseason that will put the team on the right track sooner rather than later.
news

Marquise Brown (shoulder) activated off injured reserve, to make Chiefs debut vs. Texans

The Chiefs have activated WR Marquise Brown (shoulder) off injured reserve ahead of Saturday's Week 16 game. Brown, who's missed the first 14 games of the season with a shoulder injury, will make his Chiefs debut against Houston.
news

Ravens waive WR Diontae Johnson less than two months after trade from Panthers

Diontae Johnson's peculiar stint with the Ravens proved to be short-lived. Baltimore waived the veteran receiver Friday. The Ravens activated WR Anthony Miller and DB Desmond King in corresponding moves.
news

Eagles WR A.J. Brown says he's 'playing' vs. Commanders despite knee injury

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown popped up on the injury report this week but he won't miss Sunday's showdown with the Washington Commanders.
news

Tua Tagovailoa (hip) off injury report, but Jaylen Waddle (knee) doubtful for Dolphins' game vs. 49ers

A hip injury landed Tua Tagovailoa on the Miami Dolphins injury report this week. It won't keep him from starting in Week 16, though. Jaylen Waddle, on the other hand, is unlikely to go.