The Detroit Lions have an interesting decision ahead when it comes to veteran defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson. The animated defender has proven to be a valuable asset in the NFL—leading the NFL with six interceptions in 2022—but his 2023 season with the Lions was a letdown derailed by injury. A torn pectoral muscle caused him to miss 14 games, and even though he worked incredibly hard to return just in time for their playoff push and postseason games, he only had a rotational role when he made his way back on the field.
Still, Lions rookie cornerback Brian Branch wants Gardner-Johnson back.