Reports: Lions signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson

The Detroit Lions are signing free-agent safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year, $8 million deal, multiple media outlets reported Sunday night.

NFL Network reported that the deal includes $6.5 million fully guaranteed.

Gardner-Johnson, 25, recorded an NFL-best six interceptions and 67 tackles -- both career highs -- in 12 games (all starts) with the Eagles last season. ESPN reported that Philadelphia offered Gardner-Johnson a multi-year contract at the beginning of free agency, but he turned it down believing he had higher value.

Prior to his lone season with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson was with the Saints from 2019-21 after being selected by New Orleans in the fourth round of the 2019 draft.

In 55 career games (43 starts), Gardner-Johnson had recorded 11 interceptions, 228 tackles, 36 passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.