The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to be considering keeping cornerback Patrick Peterson for next season. But Pro Football Network’s Dallas Robinson argued that the Steelers should target a different versatile veteran defensive back — C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
On February 22, Robinson predicted the Steelers to sign Gardner-Johnson in NFL free agency.
“Steelers slot corner Chandon Sullivan is on track for free agency, while Pittsburgh might try to find a better second safety to play opposite Minkah Fitzpatrick this offseason,” wrote Robinson.
“Chauncey Gardner-Johnson could compete for both roles and shouldn’t cost much after missing most of the 2023 campaign with a pectoral injury. Another one-year contract in the $6-8 million range could make sense.”
Gardner-Johnson only played in three regular season games because of his pectoral injury. He had 17 combined tackles, 3 pass defenses and 1 interception.
Then in three playoff games, Gardner-Johnson had 12 combined tackles, 1 pass defense and 1 interception.
SB Nation’s Pride of Detroit’s Erik Schlitt referred to the 26-year-old as a “positional versatile talent with Pro Bowl upside.” But Gardner-Johnson brings more than what he simply produces on the stat sheet.
“For all Gardner-Johnson’s smack-talking and boisterous confidence, he shares a team-first mentality that the Lions look for in a leader,” wrote Schlitt.
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