NFL Free Agency: Eagles add safety depth following CJ Gardner-Johnson’s departure

It didn’t take long for Howie Roseman and his Philadelphia Eagles to address the safety depth following the loss of CJ Gardner-Johnson to Detroit.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Eagles have agreed to terms with former Saints and Buccaneers safety Justin Evans.

The #Eagles are signing former #Bucs and #Saints free agent safety Justin Evans, per me and @MikeGarafolo. Evans helps fill a void at safety.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2023

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Evans, 27, is a former second-round pick of Tampa Bay. He appeared in 24 games from 2017-’18, logging four interceptions, one fumble recovery, and 93 solo tackles. Since the 2018 campaign, Evans’ career has been marred by injuries. He missed three seasons from 2019-’21 with an Achilles injuries.

Justin Evans history:

* Ankle injury in 2017 (missed 2 gms)
* Toe injury in 2018 (missed 6 gms)
* Achilles injury in Sept 2019, missed season
* Out 2020 season as well due to injury
* Didnt play in 2021 #Eagles taking chance on player who was ascending before serious injury

— Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) March 20, 2023

Evans managed to get back on the field in 2022, signing with the New Orleans Saints prior to the season. He appeared in 15 games with four starts, tallying 29 combined tackles and one forced fumble.

For the Eagles, this feels more like a depth signing than anything else. When healthy, Evans is a more than capable backup who can spot start here and there. He’ll likely be a key contributor on special teams as well.

Expect the Eagles to bring in more help at safety before the NFL Draft in April.

Source confirms Eagles are signing former Saints and Bucs safety Justin Evans@RapSheet @MikeGarafolo first reported

I’m hearing Eagles are not done bringing in players at safety. It is a long off-season! pic.twitter.com/jAcJ2hIEYh

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) March 20, 2023

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images