CJ Gardner-Johnson’s agency, Universal Sports Management, took to Twitter to hit out at the Philadelphia Eagles after the safety reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions.
Free agent Gardner-Johnson, 25, agreed a one-year deal with the Lions worth $8million (£6.5m) after rejecting a multi-year offer from the Eagles, believing his market value was much higher. The Eagles then turned their attention toward re-signing cornerbacks James Bradberry and Darius Slay.
But Gardner-Johnson’s agency has hit out at the Eagles for their offer on Twitter. Universal Sports Management compared the two offers, before asking followers which one they would accept.
The tweet reads: “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?”
Gardner-Johnson leaves the Eagles just a year after joining from the New Orleans Saints. The safety played in February’s Super Bowl 35-28 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Gardner-Johnson will join a team in the Lions, who have never been to a Super Bowl. Three other franchises have not made the Super Bowl alongside the Lions. The Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars are yet to play in the NFL blue riband event.
Despite this, Gardner-Johnson hopes his experience of winning at the Eagles and Saints will rub off on the Lions. “So, I think it's just like will it stick, the way you perceive the message and get it out because they're young,” Gardner-Johnson said on Monday.
“I'm young, I'm only five years in, but being around the veteran presence I understand helps me to become a leader and I think that's what they brought me here for and I think that's the next step for me. It's not football for me anymore, it's about being a better person, a better teammate for the next person."
Gardner-Johnson also insists there’s no hard feelings towards the Eagles - despite his agency’s rogue tweet. He added: “The organisation treated me like family, but you've got to do what's best for your family. That's all it is.”
