In a free-agent move that was entirely predictable from the moment Chris Johnson was cut, the former Tennessee Titans star running back agreed to a deal with the New York Jets.
The Jets were one of the few teams in the NFL that was still pretty unsettled at running back, aside from Chris Ivory,
at least until Johnson was cut. Then it became clear who the Jets' main
tailback in 2014 would be. Johnson visited the Jets this week, and the
two sides came to an agreement on a two-year deal according to ESPN. Again, this should have surprised nobody.
Now Johnson gets to be the focal point of an offense that is still breaking in quarterback Geno Smith,
who had his ups and downs last year. The Johnson that gained 2,006
yards in 2009 during one of the great single-season performances in NFL
history isn't what the Jets are getting. That player isn't around
anymore. But what Johnson can bring to the Jets is a good running back
who still has big-play potential. Johnson gained at least 1,000 yards in
each of his six NFL seasons and hasn't missed a game since his rookie
year of 2008. He averaged at least 4 yards per carry each season until
last year, when he just missed at 3.9.
Johnson complained about his
role off and on with the Titans, but he shouldn't have many concerns
with the Jets, although Ivory should get some touches too after a very
promising 2013 season. Still, given Rex Ryan's style and Smith's
inexperience at quarterback, Johnson should have all the carries he can
handle. Another 1,000-yard season shouldn't be too tough for Johnson to
get, although it's probably not wise to bet on him reaching 2,000 again.
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