Eagles Rumors: C.J. Gardner-Johnson Contract Eyed as Philly 'Missed' Safety in 2023

The Philadelphia Eagles could seek a reunion with former safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson this offseason, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.

"A C.J. Gardner-Johnson reunion in Philadelphia is on my radar," Fowler wrote. "The Eagles realized they missed the talented safety in the secondary."

Gardner-Johnson was a member of the Eagles in 2022 after spending the first three seasons of his career with the New Orleans Saints. He played a pivotal role in the secondary for Philadelphia, helping the team make an appearance in the Super Bowl.

The 26-year-old tied for the league lead with six interceptions in 2022 despite playing only 12 games in the regular season. He joined the Detroit Lions in the following offseason on a one-year deal worth $6.5 million (via Spotrac).

Gardner-Johnson's time in Detroit was limited, as he suffered a torn pectoral injury in Week 2 which ended up costing him 14 games. He was able to return prior to the start of the playoffs, though.

A reunion with Philadelphia would be interesting, as the 2019 fourth-round pick had some choice words for Eagles fans during a Twitch stream in July 2023.

"My least favorite thing ... is the people," Gardner-Johnson said when asked about his least favorite part of playing in Philadelphia (h/t Jonathan Alfano of Sports Illustrated). "They're f--king obnoxious, I f--king can't stand the f--kers."

However, a potential return to the team and subsequent strong performance could endear him to the fanbase once again. He'd certainly provide a boost to an Eagles secondary that allowed 252.7 passing yards per game in 2023, the second-worst mark in the NFL.