Report: Lions land major free agent defensive back

C.J. Gardner-Johnson Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Detroit Lions land huge free agent defensive back

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 3/19/23

The Detroit Lions look to have landed one of the top remaining free agents.

NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero reports that the NFC North squad and defensive back CJ Gardner-Johnson have agreed to a one-year, $8 million contract which comes with $6.5 million guaranteed.

Gardner-Johnson's agent confirmed that the agreement is a done deal.

The #Lions are signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year, $8 million deal with $6.5M fully guaranteed signing, per sources.

His agent, Kevin Conner of @UniSportsMgmt, confirmed the deal, which reunites Gardner-Johnson, Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn. pic.twitter.com/RAIAdqYgPv

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 20, 2023

Having not found a huge market this offseason, Gardner-Johnson may have settled for a one-year deal with the intent of trying for a longer-term contract next spring.

The Philadelphia Eagles have had to make tough decisions since their just-barely Super Bowl loss to the Chiefs, notably retaining Darius Slay, James Bradberry and Fletcher Cox while letting Gardner-Johnson walk.

Call it the Lions' gain. Already this offseason, Detroit has added Emmanuel Moseley, Cam Sutton and Gardner-Johnson to their defensive backfield. They also have the picks to play matters aggressively come next month's NFL Draft.

Gardner-Johnson posted 67 tackles, a sack and six interceptions in 12 games for the Eagles this past season.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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