Report: Lions signing Gardner-Johnson to 1-year, $8M deal

The Detroit Lions and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson agreed to a one-year, $8-million deal, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.

The deal includes $6.5 million fully guaranteed, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The Philadelphia Eagles offered Gardner-Johnson a multi-year deal at the start of free agency, according to Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer. He didn't accept as he reportedly wanted more money.

The Eagles ultimately re-signed James Bradberry and extended Darius Slay.

Gardner-Johnson's representatives, Universal Sports & Entertainment Mgmt., commented on the report on Twitter:

Gardner-Johnson spent last season with the Eagles after they acquired him in an August trade with the New Orleans Saints. He played in 12 regular-season games, finishing with six interceptions, tied for the league lead.

The 25-year-old was a fourth-round pick by New Orleans in the 2019 draft. He spent three seasons with the Saints and made the PFWA All-Rookie team in 2019.

Gardner-Johnson will help bolster a Lions secondary that finished 30th in passing yards allowed per game last season. He was one of the top free agents remaining on the market.

The Florida product has 11 interceptions and 36 passes defended in 55 career games.

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