Three cost-effective replacements for C.J. Gardner-Johnson
By the looks of his recent tweet, C.J. Gardner-Johnson might be moving on from the defending NFC champions. Here are three potential cost-effective replacements who could be in range for the Eagles.
1. Julian Love (New York Giants)
Pro Football Focus has named Love this season’s most underrated free agent safety. Love bounced around the Giants’ secondary for three years before landing at safety in 2022. He responded with a team-high 124 tackles (79 solo) and two interceptions. In four years with the team, Love has logged 291 tackles, two forced fumbles and five interceptions
New York would like to keep the 24-year-old safety, but between Daniel Jones’ new mega-contract and Saquon Barkley’s $10.1M franchise tag, Love may be odd man out in a New York game of musical chairs. With 64 games under his belt and a $7.9M price tag for 2022, Philadelphia would be wise to give Love some attention.
2. Donovan Wilson (Dallas Cowboys)
The Giants aren't the only NFC East team with a talented safety to spare. Even after leading the Cowboys with 101 tackles last season, 28-year-old Donovan Wilson could be on the move from Dallas.
Wilson’s physical style of play has made him a favorite of defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and led to at least a few whispers that the standout safety might draw the franchise tag from America's Team. The Cowboys ultimately used the tag on Tony Pollard, leaving Wilson looking for a new deal and probably a new home.
With Dallas more than $16 million over the 2023 cap already, and players like Dalton Schultz and Leighton Vander Esch unsigned, Wilson should be available if Philadelphia is interested.
3. Adrian Amos (Green Bay Packers)
If the Eagles want a more experienced safety, Green Bay’s Adrian Amos would be worth a look. In eight years with the Bears and Packers, Amos has recorded 636 tackles, six sacks, three forced fumbles and 10 interceptions.
Even with Aaron Rodgers still on the roster, Green Bay has a healthy cap number of over $16 million still available. But it is certainly not inconceivable that the Packers might be looking to get younger in the defensive backfield.
At 29-years-old, Amos recorded career-high marks in tackles and assists this past season. Since joining the Packers in 2019, he hasn’t missed a regular season start. He makes for an intriguing, affordable option at safety for the Eagles.
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