Chargers News: LA Target Off The Market, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Joins Detroit Lions
The Los Angeles Chargers have been keeping a close eye on the different safety options left in the free agent market along with prospects in the upcoming 2023 draft. They had a promising guy in Nasir Adderley but he shocked the world with an Instagram retirement announcement earlier this week and LA now has room to add another safety.
However, despite previous interest, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is no longer available. After one season with the Philadelphia Eagles, he will now suit up for the Detroit Lions on a one-year deal worth $8 million.
The deal was first reported by the NFL's Adam Schefter.
"Former Eagles’ safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson reached agreement tonight with the Detroit Lions, per source."
"The top remaining defensive free agent is off the board."
(Per Adam Schefter)
Gardner-Johnson is only 25-years-old and still has a lot of potential that can be tapped into. In 12 games for the Eagles last season, he recorded 61 tackles and six interceptions.
Prior to his lone season in Philadelphia, Gardner-Johnson was drafted in the fourth round by the New Orleans Saints back in 2019. He remained with the squad for three seasons and played 43 games for them. In that time, he also logged 160 tackles and showed upside in big games.
Many NFL fans were surprised when they saw how small his deal was, thinking that his productivity should have earned him much more. However, this is likely him betting on himself and preparing for a big payday should he continue to impress next offseason.
The Chargers' pursuit of John Johnson III is still going strong and it's clear LA is where he wants to end up as well. Their negations with him is likely why they didn't pursue Gardner-Johnson even more considering that they both play safety.
