All Lions

C.J. Gardner-Johnson Contract Details Revealed

Detroit's newest defensive back signed a prove-it deal.

John Maakaron

In this story:

The contract details of new Detroit Lions defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson have been revealed. 

Detroit's agreement with the 25-year-old is a one-year deal, with a 2023 salary-cap hit of $4.5 million. 

A voided year was added for the 2024 season to lower the overall cap hit in 2023. 

All $6.5 million is guaranteed, and Gardner-Johnson has an opportunity to earn an additional $1.5 million in incentives.

Speaking with reporters at his introductory media session, Gardner-Johnson was asked about turning down the offer that the Eagles had on the table. 

The Eagles reportedly offered a three-year, $24 million deal that had $17 million coming in 2025, the third year of the deal. 

“It is what it is,” Gardner-Johnson said. “The past is the past. I’m here now with a brand new team and city, ready to win some games.”

The talented defensive back indicated the next step for him is to transition into a leadership role in Detroit's locker room. 

"Everybody's young. I'm young. I'm only five years in, but being around the veteran presence helps me understand how to become a leader," Gardner-Johnson said. "I think that's what they brought me here for, and I think that's the next step for me. It's not just football anymore. It's about being a better person, better teammate for the next person."

2023

Base salary: $2,500,000 (Fully guaranteed) 

Prorated bonus: $2,000,000

Cap hit: $4,500,000

2024 (Void) 

Prorated bonus: $2,000,000

Cap hit: $2,000,000

Join the AllLions Community

Become a premium AllLions member, which grants you access to all of our premium content and gets you a FREE subscription to Sports Illustrated! Click on the link below for more.

BECOME A MEMBER

Published
John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

Home/News