C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Eagles Agree to 3-Year, $33M Contract in 2024 NFL Free Agency

After a one-year absence, C.J. Gardner-Johnson is returning to Philadelphia.

The veteran defensive back agreed to sign a three-year contract worth up to $33 million with the Eagles on Tuesday, his agency told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

Gardner-Johnson appeared in just three regular-season games for the Detroit Lions in the 2023 season due to a torn pectoral, posting 17 tackles and an interception. He did play in all three postseason games for the team, however, notching 12 tackles, an interception and a defended pass.

He was far more impactful for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022, posting an NFL-leading six interceptions in just 12 games after being traded to the team from the New Orleans Saints ahead of the season.

His market wasn't as robust as he was perhaps expecting after that year, and he ultimately signed with the Lions on a one-year, $8 million deal.

He spent his first three seasons with the Saints, registering five interceptions and 28 passes defensed.

Health has become an issue for Gardner-Johnson, who has missed five or more games in each of the past three seasons. But when healthy he's a solid addition for any secondary, possessing the versatility to play either at safety or in the slot as a cornerback.

The Eagles will be hoping he can stay on the field for them in the 2024 season. If he can, he has a chance to be a real playmaker as a nice upgrade to the secondary and could end up being one of the sneaky-good signings of this offseason.

Safety was an enormous need for the Eagles, and his ability to both play that position and slot cornerback will be huge for a team that regularly was shredded in the secondary last season.