C.J. Gardner-Johnson

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

26-Year-Old SafetyS
Philadelphia Eagles
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
#Subscriber-Only
IDP
$Signed a one-year, $8 million contract with the Lions in March of 2023.
Heading back to Philly
SPhiladelphia Eagles
March 12, 2024
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.
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NFL Stats
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2023
2022
2021
2020
2023 NFL Game Log
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2022 NFL Game Log
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2021 NFL Game Log
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2020 NFL Game Log
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
Philadelphia EaglesEagles 2023 S Snap Distribution See more data like this | See last season's snap counts
#% of Team Snaps

89776%
76165%
31927%
28024%
282%
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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 lbs
 
40-Yard Dash
4.48 sec
 
Shuttle Time
4.20 sec
 
Cone Drill
7.03 sec
 
Vertical Jump
36.0 in
 
Broad Jump
117 in
 
Bench Press
17 reps
 
Hand Length
9.25 in
 
Arm Length
30.88 in
 
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
Uncertain future in Detroit
SDetroit Lions
January 30, 2024
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.
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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.
Establishing himself as the Saints' starting nickelback, Gardner-Johnson improved across the board in almost all defensive categories in 2020 and ultimately finished with Pro Football Focus' fourth-highest grade among slot defenders to play at least 350 snaps. Because the Saints added almost no competition for him, he should continue to log all the reps he can handle when the Saints go to their nickel package. Odds are that the 23-year-old's best football is to come, and, if he can limit missed tackles after racking up 19 last year, it wouldn't be a surprise if he tops the 66 stops he made a season ago.
The fourth-rounder out of Florida enjoyed a solid inaugural campaign, appearing in all 16 regular-season contests in 2019, including seven starts. He ended the season with 49 combined tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Playing time could be harder to come by in 2020 due to the addition of Malcolm Jenkins to the secondary, as Jenkins will be the likely starter. Still, there's room for optimism for the second-year man to fill a reserve role in New Orleans' secondary thanks to his strong rookie play and the need for depth at safety.
More Fantasy News
Productive when healthy in 2023
SDetroit Lions
February 27, 2024
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
SDetroit Lions
January 7, 2024
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
SDetroit Lions
January 6, 2024
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
SDetroit Lions
Pectoral
January 5, 2024
Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game versus the Vikings.
ANALYSIS
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Looking good for Week 18
SDetroit Lions
Pectoral
January 3, 2024
Gardner-Johnson (pectoral) was a full participant at practice Wednesday.
ANALYSIS
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