C.J. Gardner-Johnson

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

25-Year-Old SafetyS
Detroit Lions
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.
Joining Detroit
SDetroit Lions
March 19, 2023
Gardner-Johnson agreed to terms on a contract with the Lions on Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
ANALYSIS
Gardner-Johnson spent the first three years of his career in New Orleans before joining the Eagles last year. He logged 67 tackles (61 solo), including one sack, along with six interceptions and eight pass defenses over 12 games with Philadelphia, and he'll take on a prominent role in the Lions secondary in 2023.
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NFL Stats
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2022
2021
2020
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 %
Detroit LionsLions 2022 S Snap Distribution See more data like this | See last season's snap counts
#% of Team Snaps

83677%
81875%
15214%
13512%
1009%
939%
30%
20%
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2022 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
210 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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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
Career year in fourth pro season
SPhiladelphia Eagles
January 15, 2023
Gardner-Johnson finished the regular season with career highs in tackles (67) and interceptions (six).
ANALYSIS
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Will be available Week 18
SPhiladelphia Eagles
January 7, 2023
The Eagles activated Gardner-Johnson (abdomen) from injured reserve Saturday ahead of Sunday's game against the Giants.
ANALYSIS
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On track to play Week 18
SPhiladelphia Eagles
Abdomen
January 6, 2023
Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said Friday that Gardner-Johnson (abdomen) has looked good in practice and is hopeful that the 25-year-old will play Sunday against the Giants, Geoff Mosher of InsideTheBirds.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Partaking in Week 18 prep
SPhiladelphia Eagles
Abdomen
January 4, 2023
Head coach Nick Sirianni said Wednesday that Gardner-Johnson (abdomen) will return to practice this week, Josh Tolentino of The Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
ANALYSIS
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Lands on IR
SPhiladelphia Eagles
Abdomen
December 3, 2022
The Eagles placed Gardner-Johnson (abdomen) on injured reserve Saturday.
ANALYSIS
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