Philadelphia Eagles expected to franchise tag key defender this offseason

Before the 2022-23 NFL season could even get started, the Philadelphia Eagles may have made the trade of the year by adding CJ Gardner-Johnson from the New Orleans Saints. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman only forked over a 2023 fifth-round pick, plus a 2024 sixth-round selection for Gardner-Johnson, plus a seventh-round pick in 2025.

Not bad for a player who tied for the most interceptions in the NFL this past season. But the 25-year-old safety/cornerback is now headed to free agency with his rookie contract set to expire. He couldn’t have picked a better time to have a career year.

CJ Gardner-Johnson stats in 2022: 67 tackles (5 for loss), 6 INT, 8 PD in 12 games

Gardner-Johnson figures to be one of the top safeties available this offseason, and he just put on a masterclass of a display, showing he can not only quickly pick up another defense but also thrive in a new atmosphere. For teams looking for a boost in their secondary in 2023, seeing how Gardner-Johnson quickly adapted may only further add to his value as a free agent.

But, according to ESPN’s Adam Caplan, the Eagles don’t plan to let their versatile ballhawk reach free agency. Instead, the Eagles are expected to place the franchise tag on Gardner-Johnson, which would earn him $14.4 million in 2023, while buying more time to work out a long-term extension. Yet, he also notes that the Eagles’ top priority with CGJ is getting a multi-year contract in place.

For Gardner-Johnson, while he may prefer the long-term security of an extension spanning multiple seasons as many others do, making a cool $14 million for one season of play likely won’t spur any complaints. Considering Gardner-Johnson’s previous career NFL earnings have amounted to $5.3 million, he’ll likely gladly accept the franchise tag for one year while getting the chance to run it back with the Eagles again next season.