Why is C.J. Gardner-Johnson unnoticed?

By: Jake Rajala

C.J. Gardner-Johnson has faced more disrespect than any other safety in the league. The former New Orleans Saints fourth round draft pick has played at an All-Pro level, yet he has failed to be a Pro Bowl selection. He led the league in interceptions in 2022 with six ints. Last season, he unleashed six more ints! He also had 12 pass deflections a season ago. C.J. deserves a boost to his resume after winning a Lombardi trophy with Philly last season.

C.J. has been a pro at getting under the skin of his opponents. Tom Brady knew this all too well.

He has averaged three ints per season in his career. He also has registered 304 combined tackles in his career. If C.J. can lead the league in ints for a couple of more seasons and garners another Lombardi trophy, I believe he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame conversation.

I don’t love that he left Philly, to say the least. They have a lethal offense under Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. On defense, they have an insane pass rush and run defense. Their front four can really get after it without blitzing. C.J. also has a friend named Cooper Dejean, who can only grow with him in the secondary.

In Houston, he will still play around “a lot of talent on defense”. Danielle Hunter, who is a DPOY dark horse candidate, will force poor throws by the opposing QB. Derek Stingley Jr. was also first-team All-Pro last season. The Texans are 18th in scoring. Hence, they aren’t putting up fireworks and making opposing offenses one-dimensional and desperate to pass.

C.J. can play far back as the lone safety and also play in the box. He’s similar to Kenny Vaccaro, except he’s more coachable. I expect him to really get paid long-term after this upcoming season.