One of the most difficult decisions the Detroit Lions will confront ahead of free agency is selecting what to do with safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
Gardner-Johnson, also known as Ceedy Duce, signed a one-year contract with the Lions last offseason but had his season cut short. He suffered a torn pectoral in Week 2 and did not return until the regular season finale.
With free agency approaching, the team must make a speedy decision on his contract or risk losing him to free agency. Given his status and demonstrated talent, the Lions may have to fight with several teams to keep him.
Here are five teams that could chase Ceedy Duce if he enters free agency, which begins on Wednesday.
Detroit Lions
The Lions are believed to be interested in retaining the veteran defensive back.
As previously noted, Gardner-Johnson did not have a significant impact on the field this season. However, he was still regarded as one of the team’s most important leaders within the locker room. While it’s difficult to measure how much of an impact his swagger had on the rest of the team, he did significantly raise the confidence of the club’s youthful defensive backs.
As a result, I wouldn’t be surprised if Detroit re-signed Duce on another short-term deal.
Philadelphia Eagles
If a return to Detroit is not in the cards, there have been suggestions that Duce may reunite with his former employer. He had a breakout season for the Eagles in 2022, matching for the league lead with six interceptions.
