The Detroit Lions have just made a splash signing to add to their struggling secondary by signing star safety, C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The Lions were in desperate need of a player like Gardner-Johnson since losing DeShon Elliot. Let’s talk about what this deal means for both sides.
Why Signing To The Detroit Lions Makes Sense For C.J. Gardner-Johnson
According to reports, Gardner-Johnson turned down a multi-year deal from the Philidelphia Eagles to bet on himself in the open market. Since he turned it down, the Eagles brought back Darius Slay and James Bradberry in his place, and the open market wasn’t too kind to Gardner-Johnson. He ran into only similar or worse offers and when he waited it out, his value kept decreasing drastically. Gardner-Johnson saw his value decreasing and decided to put a stop to it by accepting a prove-it deal with potential contenders, the Detroit Lions.
Signing to Detroit is also a great decision for Gardner-Johnson for many other reasons, including scheme fit. The Lions’ defensive scheme is built perfectly for Gardner-Johnson to fit in whether it’s as a third safety, Nickel Corner, or even sub-linebacker in some plays. The lions’ current defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, was Gardner-Johnson’s defensive backs coach in New Orleans where they had a great connection and a lot of success. Reuniting the two can only be a benefactor of this signing and Glenn should be able to maximize his potential in his playing time alongside the other big-name free agents Detroit signed.
Potentially the best reason to justify why it made sense for Gardner-Johnson to go to Detroit is that it’s where he’ll get the most opportunities to shine on his “ Prove It” deal. Detroit puts Gardner-Johnson into a secondary where he is one of if not the best players on the unit, but where it’s still a solid unit that won’t get burnt every play. This will allow Gardner-Johnson to shine on his own, while the whole unit still plays well and doesn’t bring him down in the long run for his next contract. On top of that, the Detroit Lions bring to give him a chance to compete in the NFC this season instead of being on a rebuilding team to try and prove his worth, he can do it while winning.
Why Is This A Great Signing For The Detroit Lions?
The Lions not only fill one of their biggest needs with this move, but they fill it with one of the best in the league for that need on a cheap deal. The Lions needed a third safety, but also a guy that could play Nickel corner when needed since Jeff Okudah is inconsistent, and that’s what Gardner-Johnson does best. The Lions struggled to cover consistently and get turnovers adding Gardner-Johnson not only adds one of the best coverage safeties in the league, but also this past season’s interception leader which is something the Lions struggled to do this year. Adding Gardner-Johnson to this roster boosts the defense from potentially average to fighting for a top-ten spot.
Now not only does he bring all of that, but Brad Holmes took advantage of him sitting on the open market to get him for cheap, even though he will be a core piece this season. Brad Holmes was able to get him on a “Prove It” deal for only $8 Million dollars, which for a player of his caliber feels like a finesse. The Lions have had a spectacular off-season thus far, and this small contract could potentially open up the room to re-sign D.J. Chark as well. In the end, this move is a great one for both parties, and with the draft still to come, the Detroit Lions could be dangerous next year.
