So sad to say goodbye as Lions has say goodbye and is set to leave

So sad to say goodbye as Lions has kiss bye and is set to leave 

 

 

Last offseason, the Detroit Lions made a significant move to strengthen their challenged secondary by signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson from the NFC Champions Philadelphia Eagles.

 

However, after a season marred by injuries, there are indications that Johnson might be departing Detroit and

returning to Philadelphia. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Eagles are reportedly interested in reacquiring

Johnson in free agency to reinforce their secondary. Fowler also mentioned that other teams may be in contention for the services of the seasoned safety.

Fowler mentioned that a potential reunion with C.J. Gardner-Johnson in

Philadelphia is a possibility he’s monitoring. He indicated that the Eagles recognize the value of having the

talented safety back in their secondary. Additionally, Fowler suggested that the Tennessee Titans could also be a suitable destination for Gardner-Johnson,

especially considering the positive rapport he has with Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson from their time together in Philadelphia.

The Lions had high expectations for Gardner-Johnson, with general manager Brad Holmes expressing praise for him and envisioning him in a prominent starting role. During the team’s

minicamp in June, head coach Dan Campbell remarked on Gardner-Johnson’s emerging leadership role and his ability to motivate teammates,

attributing it to his infectious energy. Campbell emphasized that Gardner-Johnson’s enthusiastic approach has a positive ripple effect on the team.

The heightened intensity level inevitably elevates everyone’s performance and competitiveness.”

However, the energy didn’t endure through the regular season. Johnson’s season was cut short when he sustained

a torn pectoral muscle during a Week 2 defeat against the Seattle Seahawks, sidelining him until the final game of the season.

Gardner-Johnson wasn’t the sole addition to the secondary that the Lions lost to injury in 2023. Emmanuel Moseley, a cornerback signed by the Lions, sustained an injury in his first game back after recovering from a torn ACL and was sidelined for the rest of the season.

 

There’s a prevailing belief among insiders that Gardner-Johnson won’t be returning to Detroit in 2024. Dallas

Robinson of Pro Football Network anticipated that he would sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“Steelers slot corner Chandon Sullivan is on track for free agency, while Pittsburgh

might try to find a better second safety to play opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick this offseason,” Robinson wrote.

“Gardner-Johnson could vie for both positions and might not command a high

price tag after his limited play in 2023 due to a pectoral injury. A one-year deal in the range of $6-8 million could be

reasonable,” suggested SI.com’s Vito Chirco. Chirco anticipated that Detroit’s ability to retain the veteran safety for the 2024 season might hinge on the type of

contract he seeks. While the Lions could entertain a short-term agreement, Chirco speculated that they might not match long-term offers.

“Gardner-Johnson earned $6.5 million under his one-year deal with the Lions in 2023,” Chirco stated. “If I were Holmes,

I’d consider offering Gardner-Johnson a comparable short-term contract, perhaps for one or two years, with a salary not

exceeding $7 million per season. However, if he seeks a long-term agreement, I would opt out of pursuing Gardner-Johnson.”

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