The Philadelphia Eagles are bringing back their former standout defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The deal will be for three years and worth up to $33 million, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
This move comes on the heels of a series of recent Eagles acquisitions, including running back Saquon Barkley and pass rusher Bryce Huff. General manager Howie Roseman has been aggressive about starting the offseason after getting upset by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the wildcard game.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson Career Summary
Gardner-Johnson played three seasons for the Florida Gators before getting drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2019. As a fourth-round pick, the safety/nickelback hybrid was not a headlining prospect. However, he quickly made his presence felt at the professional level, qualifying for the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Eagles are signing Safety/Nickel Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to a 3 year deal worth up to $33 million max value.
His agents Kevin Conner & Robert Brown of @unisportsmgmt confirmed the deal. Back to Philly.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2024
The native Floridian spent two more seasons in New Orleans before being dealt to the Eagles in 2022. Despite playing in just 11 games, he co-led the league with six interceptions. He also recorded four tackles in Super Bowl LVII, which Philadelphia lost to Kansas City 38-35. The ball-hawking nickel then signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions last year but barely played due to tearing his pectoral muscle in Week 2. He once again returned for the playoffs, helping Detroit reach the NFC Championship game.
Gardner-Johnson Will Upgrade Philadelphia’s Secondary
The Eagles ranked just 26th in total defense last season, with their secondary being the main culprit of their issues. While cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry are reliable, the rest of the unit was a weak spot. With slot corner Avonte Maddox possibly leaving, Gardner-Johnson could slide in as the replacement. Most likely, though, he’ll play some type of hybrid role. Currently, Philadelphia’s only other safeties are Reed Blankenship and Sydney Brown, so it desperately needs help in both areas.
Philadelphia Eagles General Outlook
The Eagles were in a precarious position to start the 2024 offseason. After their late-season collapse, as well as legendary center Jason Kelce’s retirement, it was fair to wonder if the organization was heading down a dark path. The team does still have plenty of work to do, namely shoring up the offensive line after Kelce’s departure. However, these recent moves are a step in the right direction.
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Joshua is a diehard Yankees, Jets, Knicks, Rutgers, and Tottenham Hotspur fan. He started his journalism career as the Sports Editor for the Rutgers University newspaper. When he’s not watching a game or writing about one, you can find him in an art-house movie theater or writing a screenplay.
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