The Philadelphia Eagles released safety Kevin Byard on Friday, freeing up more than $13 million against the cap in 2024.

With just Reed Blankenship and Tristin McCollum as the only healthy Eagles under contract for next season, the Eagles will need to address the position at some point during the offseason.

Of course, the Eagles know this and according to Sporkeeda’s Tony Pauline, they are looking to target C.J. Gardner-Johnson in NFL free agency:

“The Philadelphia Eagles will look to bring in a safety in the offseason, via free agency or the draft. People at the combine get the sense that there’s a real chance the Eagles bring back C.J. Gardner-Johnson, who is scheduled to hit the free-agent market. Gardner-Johnson played for the Eagles in 2022 before signing a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions last year,” – Sportkeeda’s Tony Pauline

Gardner-Johnson is no stranger to Philadelphia as they acquired him in a trade with the New Orleans Saints ahead of the 2022 NFL season.

Upon his arrival, the Eagles had him switch from cornerback to safety and he finished the regular season tied for the most interceptions in the league with six.

He was offered a new contract to stay in Philly in 2023 though he chose to look elsewhere believing he was valued much higher than what they offered.

That’s when he signed a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions.

But after just two games, Gardner-Johnson was placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral muscle.

He registered 17 total tackles, three passes defended and one interception through three games with Detroit.

According to our contract experts at A to Z Sports, Gardner will be looking for a 2-year, $17 million deal in NFL free agency.