C.J. Gardner-Johnson could be the glue that holds Eagles defense together in 2024

If pictures could tell a 1,000 words, then the photo taken below by the Eagles’ Kiel Leggere of a focused Philadelphia team standing behind a smiling C.J. Gardner-Johnson is all you need to know about who has the juice when it comes to the swagger and energy department.

Gardner-Johnson reunited with the Eagles when both parties severely needed reconciliation.

Gardner-Johnson departed Philadelphia for Detroit last spring after an inability to agree to a contract that eventually went to James Bradberry. The Eagles’ defense regressed tremendously in 2023 without Gardner-Johnson’s swagger and big-play ability.

With a pec injury, Gardner-Johnson missed most of the Lions’ run to the playoffs and couldn’t be as productive in Detroit’s system.

Meanwhile, an Eagles defense that generated 70 sacks in 2022 – 3rd-most in NFL history – failed to generate pressure, as Philadelphia edge rushers had 38 sacks in 2023. With Gardner-Johson gone, the Eagle’s defense allowed 27 plays of 25 yards or more in the last ten games – 7th-most in the league, according to Reuben Frank.

Philadelphia GM Howie Roseman knows when he’s wrong and addressed the situation, re-signing Gardner-Johnson to a three-year deal with a max value of $33 million.

Gardner-Johnson is a ballhawk and big-play defender. The versatile defender has 12 interceptions in 58 career games, four sacks, 39 pass deflections, 20 tackles for loss, and 14 quarterback hits.

Gardner-Johnson can play safety or slot corner, which gives new Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio flexibility with his lineups. In 2024, look for Philadelphia’s play-caller to employ Gardner-Johnson more as a blitzer and pass rusher.