16 March 2023 , 20:30
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Free agent safety CJ Gardner-Johnson looks to have taken a shot at his former team in a new deleted tweet.
The 25-year-old defensive back remains one of the biggest names available in free agency after not yet coming to an agreement with his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles. The two parties were said to be in discussions on a long-term deal, but it appears that the talented safety does not like what he was offered by the team.
Gardner-Johnson is rightly seen as one of the better players at his position in the league, having the versatility to play in a number of different roles while being an emotional leader. And with his level of play matching those qualities, he would have been expected to be given a big extension in what would be his first contract after his rookie deal.
As a fourth-round pick, Garnder-Johnson has earned just $3.4 million throughout his impressive four seasons, and was projected to get around $10-15 million per year on a multi-season deal.
But that does not look to be the case, with Gardner-Johnson tweeting out in what can only appear to be a shot at the offer he received from the Eagles.
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In a now deleted tweet, he wrote: "The disrespect smh (shaking my head)."
Gardner-Johnson played a key role in helping the Eagles to the Super Bowl, being one of their highest graded defenders and playing both cornerback and safety for the team.
He was traded to the Eagles after the 2021 season after three impressive years with the New Orleans Saints, who did not have the salary cap space to keep him on the roster.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson does not appear to be happy with the contract the Eagles offered himHe went on to be the NFL's interception leader last season, going up against any wide receiver or tight end and giving them a tough day.
Fellow safety Jessie Bates was recently given a four-year, $64 million contract by the Atlanta Falcons - with Gardner-Johnson expecting a similar deal.
However, the Eagles have recently resigned both defensive backs Darius Slay and James Bradberry, and may struggle to find the space to then extend Gardner-Johnson.
The team must also save room to sign quarterback Jalen Hurts, who will want an extension next season - one that is richly deserved after his MVP-calibre campaign and a dominant display in the Super Bowl despite the loss the Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs.