C.J. Gardner-Johnson
26-Year-Old
2023 Defense Stats
TCKL
17
SACKS
0.0
INT
1
FF
0
TD
0
2024 Projections
2023 Fantasy Outlook
After tying the league lead in interceptions (six) during a strong 2022 season in Philadelphia, Gardner-Johnson priced himself out of the cash-strapped Eagles' spending range this offseason but should see all the snaps he can handle at nickel back for the Lions within coordinator Aaron Glenn's defense. Even though it would be hard to count on any defensive back to repeat the ball-hawking stat line that he put together last year, the top-35 finish in tackles among defensive backs shows Gardner-Johnson also can contribute to the box score in other areas, making him someone to keep an eye on in Detroit's up-and-coming defense. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS
Heading back to Philly
The Eagles are slated to sign Gardner-Johnson to a three-year deal worth up to $33 million, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner-Johnson was part of the Eagles' Super Bowl team in 2022 before signing a one-year deal with the Lions last offseason. CJGJ ended up missing all but three games with a torn pec but was able to return for Week 18 and Detroit's playoff run. He's just 26 years old and should return to an every-down role in the Eagles' defensive backfield alongside Reed Blankenship.
Gardner-Johnson was part of the Eagles' Super Bowl team in 2022 before signing a one-year deal with the Lions last offseason. CJGJ ended up missing all but three games with a torn pec but was able to return for Week 18 and Detroit's playoff run. He's just 26 years old and should return to an every-down role in the Eagles' defensive backfield alongside Reed Blankenship.
NFL Stats
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2023
2022
2021
2020
2023 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
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2023 C.J. Gardner-Johnson Split Stats
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Measurables Review
How do C.J. Gardner-Johnson's measurables compare to other safeties?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
5' 11"Weight
208 lbs40-Yard Dash
4.48 secShuttle Time
4.20 secCone Drill
7.03 secVertical Jump
36.0 inBroad Jump
117 inBench Press
17 repsHand Length
9.25 inArm Length
30.88 in
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Uncertain future in Detroit
Gardner-Johnson's future in Detroit could be tied to defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Eric Woodyard of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
According to Woodyard, Gardner-Johnson and Glenn share a close bond. Therefore, if Glenn departs from the organization for the chance to be a head coach elsewhere, Gardner-Johnson's chances of returning to the Lions are likely diminished. The safety suffered an injury-riddled 2023 season, as he was limited to only three regular-season games while missing time due to a torn pectoral.
According to Woodyard, Gardner-Johnson and Glenn share a close bond. Therefore, if Glenn departs from the organization for the chance to be a head coach elsewhere, Gardner-Johnson's chances of returning to the Lions are likely diminished. The safety suffered an injury-riddled 2023 season, as he was limited to only three regular-season games while missing time due to a torn pectoral.
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2022
2021
2020
Gardner-Johnson is a versatile defensive back, with the ability to play both safety and cornerback. The addition of Tyrann Mathieu at safety likely will have Gardner-Johnson playing a backup role, but Gardner-Johnson has proven to be a solid nickelback for New Orleans. The 24-year-old played in just 12 games in 2021, dealing with a knee and a foot injury. In those games, Gardner-Johnson recorded 46 total tackles, seven passes defensed, a career-high three interceptions and two sacks. The fourth-year defender will look to improve upon last year's numbers in what should be a strong defensive backfield.
More Fantasy News
Productive when healthy in 2023
Gardner-Johnson recorded 17 tackles and three passes defended including one interception over three regular-season games in 2023.
ANALYSIS
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Collects game-sealing interception
Gardner-Johnson notched four tackles and one interception during Sunday's 30-20 win over the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
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Taken off IR
The Lions activated Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) from injured reserve Saturday, and he does not carry an injury designation ahead of Sunday's contest against the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
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Officially questionable for Sunday
Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
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Looking good for Week 18
Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
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