The Detroit Lions made a deal on Sunday (March 19) to lock in defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson for the next year. This was a bit of a surprise, since the Lions had already made two big signings in the cornerback position, but the free agency period is full of surprises, so let the good times roll.

Now, Philadelphia Eagles fans seemed surprised, too. For one, Gardner-Johnson is just 25 years old and helped pull the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance. He seemed an integral part of the Eagles formula. Plus, for the Lions, he reportedly signed a modest one-year deal worth $8 million with $6.5 million guaranteed.

Here’s what people in the NFL are saying about the much buzzed-about move.

• NFL reactions to C.J. Gardner-Johnson Leaving the Eagles

  Jeff McLane of the Inquirer says the Eagles wanted a multi-year deal, and he wanted more cash. He says the player settled for a “prove-it” deal, which makes sense.

  Skinny on why C.J. Gardner-Johnson is no longer in Philly:
  
  - #Eagles made multi-year offer early in FA.
  - He was looking for more.
  - They moved on, signed Bradberry, extended Slay.
  - He/agent overvalued not realizing market/league viewed him as risk.
  - Settled for prove-it deal.

  — Jeff McLane (@Jeff_McLane) March 20, 2023

• NFL reactions to C.J. Gardner-Johnson Leaving the Eagles

  Benjamin Solak, an NFL Staff Writer for Ringer, calls this a “very nice signing for the Lions, and a tough hit for the Eagles.”

  That’s a very nice signing for the Lions, and a tough hit for the Eagles https://t.co/RHZdeeHQKU

  — Benjamin Solak (@BenjaminSolak) March 20, 2023

• NFL reactions to C.J. Gardner-Johnson Leaving the Eagles

  Doug Farrar, NFL Editor of the USA TODAY Sports Media Group, give the Lions props for the move. He says, “The Lions are not $%^&ing around with their secondary. The additions of Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley were doubles and tripes, and getting C.J. Gardner-Johnson to pair with Kerby Joseph is a damn home run.”

  The Lions are not $%^&ing around with their secondary. The additions of Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley were doubles and tripes, and getting C.J. Gardner-Johnson to pair with Kerby Joseph is a damn home run. Still think they need to take the best CB available at 6. pic.twitter.com/uKhBwcgl0w

  — Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 20, 2023

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