Eagles lose Gardner-Johnson to Lions; how will they replace both starting safeties?
The Eagles will have to get creative to replace both starting safeties now that Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is reportedly signing with the Detroit Lions.
The NFL Network first reported Sunday night that Gardner-Johnson, who tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with six despite missing five games with a lacerated kidney, will sign a one-year deal worth up to $8 million, with $6.5 million guaranteed.
Gardner-Johnson tied for the NFL lead in interceptions last season. Now, he joins a Detroit defense that needed more playmakers. https://t.co/Slxh6dsjAj
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 20, 2023
No doubt, Gardner-Johnson expected to get more in free agency, perhaps something approaching Jesse Bates' deal with the Atlanta Falcons, which was for four years and as much as $64 million.
Gardner-Johnson tweeted late last week "The disrespect real" before deleting it. Gardner-Johnson's agency, Universal Sports & Entertainment Management, tweeted Sunday night that Gardner-Johnson was offered a three-year deal worth as much as $24 million, but only the first two years and $7 million were guaranteed. The third year, at $17 million, was not.
Perception Vs Reality….1 Year Real vs 3 Year Fake….which sounds better to you ♟️
1. One year deal = $8m
2. 3 yr deal = $24m max with 17m+ in yr 3
Which one you taking? 🎤 drop— UniversalSportsMgmt (@UniSportsMgmt) March 20, 2023
And it appeared as if the Eagles had made their decision to move on once they gave Darius Slay an extension last week. Slay, who had a $26 million salary cap hit this season, the final year of his contract, had originally tweeted that the Eagles were going to release him. But several hours later, the two sides came to an agreement, no doubt significantly lowering Slay's cap hit, while guaranteeing him money in 2024.
That most likely prevented the Eagles from making a better offer to Gardner-Johnson.
It's just that the Eagles also lost their other starting safety, Marcus Epps, who signed a two-year deal worth as much as $12 million, with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Eagles have Reed Blakenship, who started in place of Gardner-Johnson while he was injured, along with K'Von Wallace. Avonte Maddox, the Eagles' nickel corner, can also play safety, as can Josiah Scott.
More:Eagles signing a backup QB they once tried trading Fletcher Cox (and more) for 8 years ago
More:The amazing way Jalen Hurts' pending contract is helping Eagles keep most top players
More:Darius Slay staying with Eagles after he was nearly released; Fletcher Cox back
The Eagles could draft a safety with one of their early-round picks, or they can acquire one either in free agency or via trade. The Eagles traded for Gardner-Johnson last August, sending the Saints their fifth-round pick this spring and a sixth-round pick in 2024.
If the Eagles go after a safety in free agency, ex-Eagle Jalen Mills could be an option. The Titans and Kevin Byard also appear to be at a crossroads, and it's possible that he could be released.
Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @Mfranknfl.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Eagles lose Gardner-Johnson in free agency; how will they replace him?
