The Philadelphia Eagles made CJ Gardner-Johnson a priority of free agency — and it was easy to see their point. Only 25 years old and coming off a season in which he tied for the league lead in interceptions (six), Gardner Johnson seemed to be on the rise as one of the best safeties in the NFL.
What happened over the past week that led to Gardner Johnson signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions? Gardner-Johnson was one of the best defensive free agents heading into the offseason, yet it took him a week to sign with a team.
The Gardner-Johnson free agent saga is definitely one to check out. Gardner-Johnson got a new contract, but the road to get there was certainly an interesting one.
Monday – the beginning of the legal manipulation period
The Eagles made Gardner-Johnson a priority in free agency, a source told CBS Sports that the team has been pushing to sign the safety. Philadelphia made Gardner-Johnson a multi-year offer, but he decided to test the market.
Tuesday – Eagles pivot to other minor members
With Gardner-Johnson testing the market, the Eagles decided to focus on keeping cornerbacks duo James Bradbury and Darius Slay. Bradbury was the first, as the team talked to the All Pros throughout the day.
Bradbury finished Signing a three-year contract with the Eagles, by taking less money to stay in Philadelphia. The first part of high school was in place.
Wed – Darius Sly will be released, then he wasn’t
The Eagles and Slay were deadlocked with contract negotiations, which led to reports that the team would release Slay at the start of the new league year. The Eagles never made an official announcement about Slay, which was a sign that Slay and the Eagles were trying to land a restructured contract to stay in Philadelphia.
In the late hours of the night, eagles slaughter He agreed to extend the contract. With Slay uncertain all day Wednesday, the Eagles still had a chance to bring Gardner-Johnson back. He was still measuring his market, which was not a good fit for the security.
Wednesday – Eagles returns Fletcher Cox
The Eagles made another move on Wednesday, re-signing Cox to a one-year, $10 million contract. Philadelphia has already lost Javon Hargrave, TJ Edwards, Keizer White and Marcus Epps to free agency – yet they’ve managed to keep two of their own in Cox and Brandon Graham.
With Gardner-Johnson still testing his market (and he wasn’t signed), the Eagles used others to retain three more key members in their defense.
Thursday – “The Disrespect Is Real”
Whether Gardner Johnson was talking about the Eagles or offers he was receiving in free agency, it prompted the safety to tweet this:
Here are the safety contracts awarded over the four days, none of which involved Gardner Johnson. Show this market the position – or lack thereof.
Saturday — Gardner Johnson tweeted in support of his agency
It looked like a deal was close as Gardner Johnson (who has been off Twitter for a few days) tweeted a smiley emoji for Universal Sports Management.
Whether or not the Eagles can match the deal remains to be seen but Gardner Johnson has reposted photos of his Eagles on his Instagram.
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Sunday – Gardner Johnson and the Lions agree to a deal
Gardner-Johnson agreed A one-year deal with the Detroit Lions worth up to $8 million. The Eagles got their multi-year bid earlier in the week, but the first year fell short of $8 million. Gardner-Johnson reunited with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who was the coach of defensive backs with the New Orleans Saints.
Gardner Johnson thanked the Eagles and confirmed he had signed with the Lions.
SUNDAY – The Gardner Johnson Agency revealed the Eagles show
In what was surprising for an agency, Universal Sports Management revealed to the public on social media the Eagles’ latest offer and the deal Gardner-Johnson had signed. Essentially, she defended the contract her client signed.
The Eagles’ initial bid on Monday (the start of the legal gouging period) was higher than what Universal Sports Management bid on Twitter on Sunday night. Gardner Johnson was looking for a salary similar to the average annual value that Bates received ($16.005 million). Philadelphia’s bid was nowhere near as high.
At the end of the day, the Eagles and Gardner Johnson moved on. There was a multi-year bid from Philadelphia left on the table.
It was one of his former classmates who spoke out for safety.
AJ Brown He said“A great teammate. Glad he took care of his family more importantly. It’s a dangerous game to play. You can’t be upset.” [with] A man who does what feels best for him and his family. Detroit’s got a great one!
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