After an injury-plagued year in Detroit, safety CJ Gardner-Johnson is reportedly heading back to Philadelphia.
Gardner-Johnson is set to sign a three-year deal worth up to $33 million with the Eagles, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
He signed with the Lions last off-season as one of their top free agent acquisitions on a one-year deal, with eyes on being the starting safety.
But Gardner-Johnson suffered a torn pectoral muscle in Week 2 against Seattle and would miss the majority of the season. He recorded 17 tackles, one interception and three passes defended in three regular season games, including a return to a back-up role in Week 18.
Gardner-Johnson posted 12 tackles and a pick in the Lions’ three playoff games this winter.
He’ll get the long-term deal he was looking for, while the Lions will be turning to Kerby Joseph and Ifeatu Melifonwu in the safety position.
Melifonwu came on strong at the end of his rookie season, posting 26 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions in the final five weeks of the regular season. He put up 16 tackles and two sacks in the playoffs.
The news of Gardner-Johnson’s departure Tuesday comes as the team signed former Raiders DB Amik Robertson to a reported two-year, $9.25 million deal.
Also on Tuesday the team reportedly re-signed offensive lineman Dan Skipper to a one-year deal.
Other moves since the opening of free agency on Monday include signing DE Marcus Davenport, trading for CB Carlton Davis III and officially losing OL Jonah Jackson to the Rams on a $51 million deal.