General manager Howie Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles aren’t afraid of being aggressive to plug the holes at key positions of need.
In what promises to be a bit of a make-or-break season for the Eagles, especially when it comes to head coach Nick Sirianni’s future, one of Roseman’s top priorities is bolstering the talent on defense following new coordinator Vic Fangio’s arrival earlier this offseason.
Following a second-half of the 2023 season that can only be described as an abject collapse, especially on defense, the Philadelphia Eagles could turn to a familiar face to stem the tide in 2024.
Pro Football Focus projects the Philadelphia Eagles as an ideal free agent landing spot for Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who was instrumental to a Super Bowl run during his lone season in the City of Brotherly Love back in 2022.
“Philadelphia felt the loss of Gardner-Johnson throughout 2023,” Brad Spielberger writes for PFF, stating the obvious. “Fielding one of the worst coverage units over the middle of the field, especially when Avonte Maddox was hurt. A safety pairing with Reed Blankenship who also adds nickel ability is a glaring need for the Eagles.”
There’s little doubt that Gardner-Johnson would provide some much-needed veteran stability on the back end of Fangio’s defense.
Through the first 58 games of his career, Gardner-Johnson has produced 245 total tackles with four sacks, 20 tackles for loss, 12 interceptions, and 39 pass breakups as a versatile playmaker capable of being a ballhawk in coverage as well as a physical force near the line of scrimmage.
Can Philadelphia Eagles Afford to Sign C.J. Gardner-Johnson?
Last season, Gardner-Johnson appeared in only three games, after tearing a pectoral muscle in Week 2. The injury could keep his price down, making the veteran more affordable for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Because of his injury in 2023, there’s a relatively decent chance that Gardner-Johnson could be had for a one-year “prove it” type contract ahead of the 2024 season.
Roseman and the Philadelphia Eagles have plenty of spending flexibility to bring a reunion with Gardner-Johnson to fruition, even if he doesn’t come as a bargain. As free agency nears, the Philadelphia Eagles are projected to have approximately $40.72 million in cap space.
Given the resources, and the need at a critical position to the success of Fangio’s defense, Gardner-Johnson is an affordable option in free agency with plenty of upside to watch for the Philadelphia Eagles.
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