One of the toughest decisions the Detroit Lions will face ahead of free agency is deciding what to do with safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Gardner-Johnson, also known as Ceedy Duce, signed a one-year deal with the Lions last offseason, and promptly had his season cut short. He suffered a torn pec in Week 2, and wouldn't return until the regular season finale.
With free agency looming, the organization must quickly come to a decision on his contract or risk losing him in free agency. Given his status and proven talent, the Lions could have to compete with multiple organizations to retain him.
Here are five teams who could pursue Ceedy Duce should he hit free agency, which begins Wednesday.
Detroit Lions
The Lions are believed to have at least some kind of interest in retaining the services of the veteran defensive back.
As stated above, Gardner-Johnson didn't make much of an on-field impact this past season. Yet, he was still considered one of the team's biggest leaders inside the locker room. While it's hard to quantify how much of an impact his swagger had on the rest of the team, he still quite noticeably boosted the confidence level of the club's young defensive backs group.
Because of such, I wouldn't be surprised to see Detroit bring Duce back on another short-term deal.
Philadelphia Eagles
If a return to Detroit isn't in the cards, there have been reports linking Duce to a reunion with his previous employer. He had a big-time year for the Eagles in 2022, tying for the league lead with six interceptions.
Philadelphia is light on safeties, as it has little in the way of proven production returning in 2024. As a result, Duce could be a good fit to return and contribute for new Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
With Duce's versatility to play either safety or nickel cornerback, he could be a helpful addition, as the Eagles look to bounce back from an ill-fated 2023 campaign that ended in the Wild Card round of the postseason.
New York Jets
The Jets have one of the league's best defenses, as they have a plethora of talent scattered all around. However, they have multiple key safeties set to hit free agency, so they'll need to replenish their depth at the position.
Adding Duce to that secondary would give the Jets another bonafide turnover artist, as he'd join the likes of Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner and D.J. Reed. He would fit nicely within coach Robert Saleh's defensive scheme, too.
His ability to use his range in a free safety role could provide the Jets with a key piece that they missed last year. He can also come down and play against the run, which would help him mesh with New York's physical defense.
Denver Broncos
Another potential landing spot for Duce are the Denver Broncos, which would make for another reunion for Gardner-Johnson. Head coach Sean Payton drafted Duce in 2019 while with the New Orleans Saints.
The two were together for three seasons in New Orleans, during which Duce played the role of nickel cornerback. With his capabilities at that position as well as at safety, he could be a natural fit in Denver's defense.
Denver recently released free safety Justin Simmons, opening up a spot for a player like Duce. If the Broncos are willing to spend some of the cap space they just created by releasing Simmons, they could find a worthwhile investment in Duce.
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo held its own fire sale in the week leading up to free agency, releasing several players in an effort to stockpile cap space. One of the players the organization released was safety Jordan Poyer.
Duce would be a younger option for the Bills, which could capitalize on the market to retool their defense. After releasing multiple starters, signing a veteran like Duce would allow them to maintain a high enough level of talent while continuing to pursue a Super Bowl.
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