NFL teams have had nearly a week to talk with free agents from other squads and negotiate new contracts, and there are still some very talented players looking for their next stop in the league. And Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox ranks former New Orleans Saints safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson as the best player who isn’t signed for 2023. Here’s what Knox wrote of New Orleans’ old fan-favorite:
C.J. Gardner-Johnson primarily played nickel with the New Orleans Saints, but he moved to safety after being traded to Philadelphia last year. He was great in both roles, allowing an opposing passer rating of 67.7 in 2021 and 78.4 this past season. He logged three interceptions in 2021 and a league-leading six interceptions (tied with Minkah Fitzpatrick Tariq Woolen and Justin Simmons) in 2022.
Occasionally, Gardner-Johnson can also creep toward the line of scrimmage and play more of a linebacker role, although tackling is not his strongest trait (11 missed tackles in 2022).
Gardner-Johnson just turned 25 in December. Whichever team signs him to a long-term deal will be getting a multi-positional defender for the bulk of his playing prime.
