C.J. Gardner-Johnson signs One-Year deal with the Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions
On Sunday, the Detroit Lions signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year, $8 million contract. Gardner-Johnson was the top remaining free agent safety on the market.
The Lions safety room now includes C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Tracy Walker and Kerby Joseph. DeShon Elliott recently left the team after signing with the Miami Dolphins.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have lost both starting safeties via free agency. Marcus Epps left to play for the Las Vegas Raiders. I expect the Eagles will bring more safeties onto the team, but right now Reed Blankenship is at the top of the depth chart and could play a significant role in 2023.
Some remaining free agents at the safety position include John Johnson, Adrian Amos, Logan Ryan, Taylor Rapp and Duron Harmon.
The Eagles had acquired Gardner-Johnson in a trade with the New Orleans Saints in August. Gardner-Johnson was seeking a new deal with the Saints at the time and was not fully participating in the team’s practices.
Here is some insight on why Gardner-Johnson left Philadelphia:
Skinny on why C.J. Gardner-Johnson is no longer in Philly:
– #Eagles made multi-year offer early in FA.
– He was looking for more.
– They moved on, signed Bradberry, extended Slay.
– He/agent overvalued not realizing market/league viewed him as risk.
– Settled for prove-it deal.— Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 20, 2023
2022 Fantasy Performance
Gardner-Johnson had an impressive six interceptions in a five-game stretch from Week 5 to Week 10. He missed five weeks in the regular season after suffering a lacerated kidney but returned and helped lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl.
Even though Gardner-Johnson finished 30th in scoring for defensive backs, his scoring average was 4th.
With the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson saw his role change significantly. In 2020 and 2021, Gardner-Johnson played over 70% in the slot, but in 2022 he played under 25% from the slot and spent over half his time lined up as a deep safety.
2023 Fantasy Outlook
For IDP we are interested to see how the Lions decide to use Gardner-Johnson in 2023 but the usage may depend on Tracy Walker‘s health. Walker will be returning from an early season Achilles injury. I would expect Walker to play deeper than Gardner-Johnson. Hopefully training camp will give us some insight if Gardner-Johnson will return to the slot.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson is currently ranked #12 in RPO Football’s Dynasty Defensive Back Rankings.
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