The Eagles actually tried to re-sign Gardner-Johnson early last year. free agency ; however, he turned down the original offer, thinking he would receive a higher offer in free agency. That kind of deal never materialized.”But before that, the market obviously didn’t develop the way the young defenseman had hoped,” Zangaro writes. “The Eagles made Gardner-Johnson a multi-year offer early in free agency, but he and his camp turned it down. The Eagles then began spending money on other players (including Bradberry and Slay). It looks like Gardner-Johnson and his agent just misjudged the market.
Why the Eagles want C.J. Gardner-Johnson back for 2023Gardner-Johnson missed most of last season with an abdominal injury, playing in just three games.However, it was clear the Eagles’ second baseman was sorely missed. After emerging as one of the clear strengths of the team’s Super Bowl push at the end of the 2022 season – the pass defense leading the league in passing yards and net yards per attempt – the unit regressed significantly during the 2023 season.The Eagles’ pass defense ranked second to last in yards allowed and pass breakups during the 2023 season.
That was a big reason why Philadelphia fell late in the season and why they traded defensive coordinator Sean Desai for Matt Patricia in December just before the end of the regular season.Philadelphia could lose several key veterans this offseason, with both Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox possibly retiring, while Brandon Graham is a free agent – The potential addition of Gardner-Johnson would certainly add leadership and morale considering he was there for the team’s Super Bowl run.Gardner news – Johnson’s potential return comes shortly after the Eagles. released starting defensive end Kevin Byard after acquiring him from the Tennessee Titans in the offseason.nThrough five seasons, Gardner-Johnson has career totals of 245 tackles and 12 interceptions in 58 games and 45 starts. He started his career with New Orleans Saints in 2019..
