In a recent Super Bowl LIX media session, former Detroit Lions safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson opened up about his brief and turbulent time in Detroit, revealing his frustrations with how he was treated by the organization.
“Truthfully, like in Detroit it was hell,” Gardner-Johnson stated bluntly, reflecting on his experience during his one season with the team, as reported by the Free Press. “I went there just to — OK, when I got hurt I was like, ‘(Expletive) it.’ Truthfully. That’s why I didn’t go rehab there.”
After suffering an injury, Gardner-Johnson felt the writing was on the wall. He was on a one-year deal and suspected that the Lions weren’t interested in bringing him back, so he decided to head to Florida for rehab instead of staying in Detroit.
“I was on a one-year deal, so it was like there was no point unless they were really bringing me back,” he explained. “By the time midseason came and I was getting healthy, they wasn’t trying to extend me, I’m like, ‘I’m cool.’”
Looking at the Lions’ roster, which included Brian Branch, Ifeatu Melifonwu, and Kerby Joseph, Gardner-Johnson recognized that his future with the team was uncertain.
“Everybody. It was just certain people at front office that just, business is business,” he said. “Whatever. I’m not upset.”
Since Gardner-Johnson’s departure, Branch and Joseph have developed into one of the top safety duos in the league. Joseph earned first-team All-Pro honors and led the league in interceptions with nine, while Branch was selected to the Pro Bowl. Joseph also posted the second-highest PFF grade on Detroit’s defense at 90.4, with Branch close behind at 83.7.
Shifting to his current team, Gardner-Johnson and Blankenship have forged a strong bond during their time together with the Eagles.
“We’re the best safety duo in the league,” Gardner-Johnson proudly declared. “The way we play together, how we talk and communicate, and keep the defense on the same page.”
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Lions ranked as potential top destination for 49ers’ $16 million linebacker
The San Francisco 49ers are Facing Big Decisions as Key Players Head to Free Agency
As the 2025 season approaches, the San Francisco 49ers’ roster is poised for significant changes, with several core players heading to free agency. One of the most notable players in question is linebacker Dre Greenlaw, whose two-year, $16.4 million contract is set to expire this offseason.
Having spent all six years of his NFL career in San Francisco, Greenlaw has become a staple of the defense. However, with his contract expiring, he is expected to draw significant interest from other teams. According to Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus, Greenlaw is one of the top linebackers hitting the open market, and the Detroit Lions are among the leading potential suitors.
Cameron highlighted Greenlaw’s potential landing spots, saying, “Potential Landing Spots: Detroit Lions, Indianapolis Colts.” He went on to explain, “Greenlaw spent much of this past season getting right after his Achilles injury during the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl in 2023, which may leave some front offices hesitant to offer despite a need.”
However, Cameron noted that the Lions, who are projected to have the 10th-most cap space this offseason, could take a chance on Greenlaw, especially given his high ceiling as he approaches his age-28 season. With Alex Anzalone‘s contract expiring after this season, Detroit might look to add Greenlaw on a “prove it” deal, allowing him to play a complementary role while he recovers fully from his injury.
This offseason will be critical for the Lions, who need to bolster their defense after a rough end to the season. While speculation around Greenlaw joining Detroit is still hypothetical, it does seem plausible. However, the free agency period won’t officially begin until March, so we’ll have to wait for any concrete developments.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 49ers’ free agency decisions and the potential future of Dre Greenlaw.
