Where Does Chris Johnson Fit Best In NFL Landscape?
By Erik Lambert
Dec 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) carries the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
DeSean Jackson is taking his turn in NFL free agency but Chris Johnson may not be far behind. Where could the former star be headed next?
Front Runners
New York Jets
Chris Ivory provided the New York Jets with a solid power back who can get the tough yards and grind it out against defenses. What they really could use is a more explosive option who can help Geno Smith or Michael Vick in the passing game as an extra receiver. Few are better at that than Chris Johnson who can turn a five-yard swing pass into an 80-yard touchdown better than any running back in the league. If the Jets are looking to add explosion, Johnson makes a ton of sense.
Denver Broncos
Given the results over the course of his career, Peyton Manning seems to have the knack for making any running back productive. Knowshon Moreno was his latest success as the once maligned man who couldn’t stay healthy finished the season with almost 1,600 totals yards and 13 touchdowns. Is it really hard to see Johnson being productive in that offense. Despite regular struggles from season to season it seems like CJ2K keeps finding ways to top 1,000 yards rushing. With Manning adding that long-lost element of a real quarterback, Johnson could see a return to his history 2009 form.
Dallas Cowboys
DeMarco Murray had a resurgent season in 2013 for the Dallas Cowboys offense but his value goes little beyond what he does best which is run hard and consistently. Tony Romo did use him as an outlet receiver but that really isn’t the strength of Murray’s game. Considering they play at least eight games a year indoors, adding more speed to the position makes a ton of sense. Johnson would thrive in the big atmosphere of Big D and give the Cowboys a chance to keep Murray fresh and healthy the entire season.
Dark Horses
Indianapolis Colts
Belief remains strong in Trent Richardson but the Indianapolis Colts have to see that their strong investment in the former 4th overall pick is dicey at best. Donald Brown is currently scouring the market for a new deal. The team has brought back Ahmad Bradshaw but they really could use more reliable legs at the position. If the Titans do let Johnson go he might not only see a chance to play with Andrew Luck as a great opportunity, but would love the perk of playing his former team twice a year to show them exactly what they let walk out the door.
Chicago Bears
Chris Johnson doesn’t talk much about his personal life but he must’ve at least had an eye on Matt Forte in 2013. The two came out in the same draft together back in 2008 but unlike Johnson, Forte has gotten better as his team gets better. He reached his second career Pro Bowl last season as the feature weapon in the new offense of head coach Marc Trestman. All told he finished with over 1,900 yards from scrimmage and 12 touchdowns. Chris Johnson should take note of that because the two share very similar skill sets. Chicago has a need for more depth the position too following the release of backup Michael Bush. Pairing the two together would almost be unfair consider the Bears also have Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery as well.