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C.J. Gardner-Johnson is now on his third NFL team in 15 months, but don’t mistake his transience for ineffectiveness. The new Lions safety remains an elite-level defensive back.
Gardner-Johnson, signed this offseason by Detroit after playing 2022 in Philadelphia, was ranked the No. 8 safety in the ESPN polling of over 75 NFL execsESPN polling of over 75 NFL execs, coaches and players.
The verbose veteran was acquired from the Saints in a curious trade, and Gardner-Johnson really paid off for the NFC champs. He picked off six passes and brought a real edge to the Eagles defense. Gardner-Johnson did that despite missing five games and playing much more strong safety than his typical role of slot DB and free safety, which is what he’s expected to play in Detroit.
The last paragraph of the segment on Gardner-Johnson helps explain why the Lions coveted him as a free agent.
Gardner-Johnson has an aggressive style of play — with his hitting and his talking — that a few voters characterized as an acquired taste. He’s fiery and confident, which might rankle some. But those who have gotten to know him say he loves football and brings a much-needed edge to a locker room
Detroit is looking to become more difficult to play against, and that’s certainly what Gardner-Johnson brings to the team, aside from his abundant plays on the ball.