The Detroit Lions have continued on their journey to bring themselves out of last place in the NFC North, and contend in 2023.
2022 was a big season for them, as they finished with a 9-8 record and nearly made the playoffs.
It appears that Dan Campbell and company aren’t done, as they have recently signed a star free agent.
According to Tom Pelissero, the Lions have recently signed CJ Gardner Johnson to a one-year deal.
The #Lions are signing safety CJ Gardner-Johnson to a one-year, $8 million deal with $6.5M fully guaranteed signing, per sources.
His agent, Kevin Conner of @UniSportsMgmtconfirmed the deal, which reunites Gardner-Johnson, Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn. pic.twitter.com/RAIAdqYgPv
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 20, 2023
Gardner-Johnson joins the Lions from the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that he had spent just one season with.
After not being able to come to a contractual agreement with the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson now finds himself on the Lions.
During the 2022 season, Gardner-Johnson had 67 total tackles, one sack, and six interceptions.
These were career numbers for him in both tackles and interceptions and was a big part of the Eagles Super Bowl run.
Now, Gardner-Johnson will have the 2023 season with the Lions with the hopes of securing a long-term contract, either with the Lions or another team.
This contract is a great deal for the Lions, assuming Gardner-Johnson plays to a similar caliber as last year.
While the Lions had a prolific offense in 2022, their defense struggled.
They allowed 25.7 points per game, which was the third-most in the league in 2022.
With the addition of Gardner-Johnson, the Lions’ defense should be able to take a large leap next year.
The offense is ready and will be that much better, knowing they already have one season together under their belts.
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Former Lions Player Says His Contract Offer Was ‘Disrespectful’