Why did NFL fine C.J. Gardner-Johnson? Eagles star facing $14,111 hit for risky play

C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been a crucial addition to the loaded Philadelphia Eagles defense. His contributions in his first season with the team helped them become one of the top overall units in the entire NFL.

This is one of the main reasons why the Eagles won the NFC conference during the 2022 NFL season and made an appearance in Super Bowl LVII.

Despite being defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs, the Eagles turned in a solid all-around performance. C.J. Gardner-Johnson was extremely useful in their defensive secondary, as he usually is. He was not penalized during the game, but surprisingly received a fine in the aftermath for one of the hits he made during the fourth quarter.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson apparently lowered his helmet and led with his head while making a tackle on Chiefs' running back Isiah Pacheco. It appeared to be a legal hit during the game, especially after the referees declined to throw any flags on the play.

The NFL front office apparently disagreed with the idea that this was a legal tackle. Less than a week after the game's conclusion, the NFL issued a $14,111 fine for the alleged illegal hit, specifically leading with the crown of the helmet in a targeting violation.

According to Gardner-Johnson's agent Kevin Conner, the fine will be officially appealed. A successful appeal could result in the fine being either reduced or eliminated completely. Either way, the fine seems fairly irrelevant to his financial situation as he's expected to receive a huge contract during the 2023 NFL offseason.

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C.J. Gardner-Johnson's contract situation for the 2023 NFL season

Philadelphia Eagles DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson

C.J. Gardner-Johnson will enter the 2023 NFL offseason as a free agent. He was acquired by the Eagles via trade with the New Orleans Saints prior to the start of the 2022 NFL season. He had one year remaining on his contract with the Saints and played it out in 2022 rather than signing an extension. It's likely to pay off for him, as he's now expected to receive a massive new contract.

According to Spotrac, his current market value is estimated to be in the range of a five-year, $66,658,780 deal. The potential contract would put him among the ten highest-paid safeties in the entire NFL. The Eagles are reportedly interested in retaining their 25-year-old defensive back, but no new contract has been agreed upon at this point in the offseason.