Falcons Interested in Signing Eagles DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson?
The safety position is expected to be one of the Atlanta Falcons' biggest needs in free agency.
With the second-most cap space of any team in the NFL, the Falcons can target some of the best defensive backs in the league to join the Dirty Birds.
While Cincinnati Bengals safety Jessie Bates III is arguably the best defensive free agent on the market, another top defensive back could be on Atlanta's radar.
Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson flourished with the NFC Champions this season in his first year with the team. He recorded a career-high 67 tackles and six interceptions despite missing five games.
In a contract year, he proved himself, and now the Eagles (who have many free agents to attend to), have to pay up. There's a good chance the Eagles could use the franchise tag on Gardner-Johnson, but if the Eagles don't show Gardner-Johnson the money, maybe the Falcons will.
Gardner-Johnson was on the same unit that new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen was a staff member on from 2019-21, showing a familiarity there.
So, the need is there, the money is available and the relationship is reasonable. That means the Falcons should be seen as a prime candidate for Gardner-Johnson should he not be tagged by the Eagles.
Follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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