Reunited!

The Philadelphia Eagles are bringing back a familiar face to revitalize their safety room.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson is returning on a three-year deal, per NFL Network.

Veteran DB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson is returning to the #Eagles on a three-year deal worth up to $33 million, per his agents Kevin Conner and Robert Brown at @UniSportsMgmt.

Gardner-Johnson just turned 26. Now back with the team he helped reach a Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/1o0Y5t8HZC

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 12, 2024

Acquired via trade from the New Orleans Saints just before the start of the 2022 season, Gardner-Johnson helped set the tone for an Eagles secondary that was one of the best in the NFL on their way to a Super Bowl appearance. In just 12 games, he tied for the league lead in interceptions with six.

But a breakdown in contract negotiations during the 2023 free agency period led to a souring relationship between the front office and his agency. Gardner-Johnson departed for just a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions.

Neither Gardner-Johnson nor the Eagles found success from their parting of ways. The 26-year-old defensive back was limited to just three games in the ’23 regular season due to injury while the Eagles’ aging secondary went from one of the league’s best to one of the league’s worst.

Now just one year after his exit, Gardner-Johnson and the Eagles reunite with the expectation of both being able to return to their 2022 form.

Under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Gardner-Johnson immediately slides back to the starting lineup, currently next to Reed Blankenship.

With the ability to play the nickel position, Gardner-Johnson can also move into Avonte Maddox’s now-vacant spot.

The Eagles have now made six additions during free agency’s legal tampering period: EDGE Bryce Huff, RB Saquon Barkley, LB Zack Baun, C Matt Hennessy, WR DeVante Parker, and DB Gardner-Johnson.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.