The Lions' newest signing has a history of success with current coaching staff
On Sunday, the Detroit Lions continued in revamping its secondary by signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. On paper, Gardner-Johnson’s one-year deal worth $8 million is an absolute steal for the Lions. But the move looks even better when his experience with key members of Detroit’s coaching staff is factored in. Gardner-Johnson was drafted by the New […]
On Sunday, the Detroit Lions continued in revamping its secondary by signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
On paper, Gardner-Johnson’s one-year deal worth $8 million is an absolute steal for the Lions. But the move looks even better when his experience with key members of Detroit’s coaching staff is factored in.
Gardner-Johnson was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. At that time Lions DC Aaron Glenn was serving as the defensive backs coach with New Orleans. Also on the coaching staff was Dan Campbell, who was coaching the tight ends.
Interestingly enough, Glenn's relationship with Gardner-Johnson dates all the way back to high school. Glenn coached Gardner-Johnson at the Nike Opening when he was a top high school prospect.
It’s no coincidence that Gardner-Johnson is reunited with Glenn and Campbell in the Motor City. The 25-year-old safety plays with the hard-nosed mindset that fits right in to the culture Campbell has worked so hard to establish in Detroit.
Under Glenn’s direction with the Saints, Gardner-Johnson totaled 115 tackles, two interceptions and 21 passes defensed from 2019-2020. Glenn oversaw his growth which would eventually blossomed into the league-leader in interceptions in 2022 with sic in just 12 games.
The Lions have gone above and beyond in addressing the concerns in their secondary this offseason. Signing players such as Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley at cornerback and supplementing the secondary with a rising star in Gardner-Johnson could help the Lions transform into a top-10 pass defense in 2023.
General manager Brad Holmes deserves plenty of credit for his work thus far in the offseason. Acquiring talent in free agency is always a plus, but by signing established veterans who also fit the system is a recipe for long-term success in Detroit.
