Chauncey Gardner-Johnson Listed as Free Agent Lions Should Target

The Detroit Lions will prioritize upgrading the 32nd-ranked defense in the National Football League, following a 9-8 season.

Detroit general manager Brad Holmes could allocate resources in the upcoming NFL Draft or free agency to address obvious needs in the secondary.

With safety Tracy Walker trending towards being available for OTAs, the team has talent at the safety position.

More: Lions Mock Draft Roundup

Veteran DeShon Elliott could be a candidate to return in free agency, or defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn could look to a familiar face to aid the secondary.

Glenn has expressed the safety position is integral in his defensive scheme.

Early in the season, especially against the Miami Dolphins, Detroit's defense was prone to giving up easy touchdowns, with communication breakdowns in the secondary occurring far too often.

CBS Sports recently compiled a list of one free agent each NFL team should target this offseason.

For the Lions, it was Philadelphia Eagles safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson.

"While the Eagles surely want to hold onto CJGJ, I got excited thinking about him teaming up with Dan Campbell and the Lions," writes Jordan Dajani. "Detroit's offseason is going to be centered around adding on defense, and signing a versatile chess piece that roams the secondary would be perfect for the Lions. The former Saint recorded a league-high six interceptions for the Eagles in 2022."

Glenn served as the defensive backs coach for the New Orleans Saints from 2016-2020, and has witnessed the development of one of the league's top safeties.

"We were looking for opportunities to get better," Eagles general manager Howie Roseman said at the beginning of the 2022 season. "When we looked at New Orleans and the depth that they had on their roster, we thought maybe it would be a fit, and the conversations kind of came together here in the last 48 hours. Excited to add him.

"He's a heck of a player. He loves football," Roseman continued. Obviously, he went to the right college (Florida). We'll just get him in here as quickly as possible, and I know our coaches will do a great job of getting him up to speed."

According to Spotrac, the market value for Gardner-Johnson, based off of the contracts of similar free agents at his position, would be a five-year, $70 million contract that averages $14 million annually.

The 25-year-old is currently preparing to face the offense of the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

Add us as a preferred source on Google