Lions, Gardner-Johnson Reach Agreement on 1-Year, $8M Deal

Feb 12, 2023; Glendale, Arizona, US; Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (23) reacts against the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Detroit Lions have taken advantage of the free-agent market once again.

Detroit reached an agreement with defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson on a one-year deal worth up to $8 million on Sunday, ESPN reported. The deal includes $6.5 million guaranteed.

Some familiar faces will welcome Gardner-Johnson upon his arrival in Detroit. Lions coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn worked with the 25-year-old safety as members of the New Orleans Saints staff. Gardner-Johnson was drafted by the Saints in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and played the first three seasons of his career with New Orleans.

The move adds to what has already been a fruitful offseason for the Lions. In addition to signing Gardner-Johnson, Detroit added running back David Montgomery, cornerbacks Emmanuel Moseley and Cameron Sutton and offensive lineman Graham Glasgow.

The Lions also have the No. 6 and the No. 18 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

>>READ: The 33rd Team's Mock Draft 4.1

Gardner-Johnson is coming off a productive season in which he finished tied for the NFL lead in interceptions (six) while adding eight pass breakups and a sack. He was an integral part of a dominant Philadelphia Eagles' unit that led the NFL in sacks and finished second in yards allowed per game.

He also started all of the Eagles' postseason games, including Philadelphia's Super Bowl LVII loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.