C.J. Gardner-Johnson linked back to the Eagles in free agency

Jan 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (2) and linebacker Alex Anzalone (34) celebrate after Gardner-Johnson intercepted a pass from Minnesota Vikings quarterback Nick Mullens (12) (not pictured) in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports

C.J. Gardner-Johnson is one of several free agents from the Detroit Lions about to hit the open market. At least one source doesn’t believe “Ceedy Duce” is returning to Detroit and went on the record from the NFL Scouting Combine to link the versatile defensive back to another team.

From Tony Pauline at Sportskeeda,

The Philadelphia Eagles will look to bring in a safety in the offseason, via free agency or the draft. People at the combine get the sense that there’s a real chance the Eagles bring back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is scheduled to hit the free-agent market. Gardner-Johnson played for the Eagles in 2022 before signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions last year.

From the Lions side of the equation, there’s reason to increasingly believe he won’t be back in Detroit after one season. Gardner-Johnson missed 14 games with a pectoral tear, the third season in a row — all on different teams — where he missed at least five games with separate injuries. The Lions are set at the position where “CJGJ” is at his best, slot defender, with dynamic 2023 second-rounder Brian Branch.

This article originally appeared on Lions Wire: C.J. Gardner-Johnson linked back to the Eagles in free agency