Chris Johnson Unlikely to Be Targeted By Browns

Chris Johnson was once know as CJ2K because of his 2,000 yard rushing season. Yesterday the New York Jets declined the second year of his contract, allowing him to become a free agent. The Jets declined his $500,000 roster bonus which would have had the team on the hook for $5.25 million against the cap.

Rich Cimini had some thoughts on Johnson’s one year stay with the Jets:

"Johnson carried the ball a career-low 155 times and played only 37 percent of the offensive snaps as Mornhinweg refused to deviate from his Johnson-Chris Ivorytime share. Maybe it was justified; it’s not as if Johnson provided a ton of evidence to the contrary. Clearly, his 29-year-old legs (a lot older in running back years) didn’t have the same magic he showed in his glory years with the Tennessee Titans.He was a below-average runner on first down (3.84 yards per carry) and he never made an impact as a receiver, recording only five receptions on third down. The Jets had big plans for Johnson. They talked about getting him the ball in space, allowing him to use his blazing open-field speed.As it turned out, he caught only four balls when split out of the backfield."

We expect that the Cleveland Browns will look to add a veteran running back to their stable of young guys this off-season, much like they did with Ben Tate, although that didn’t work out so well, last year. With Isaiah Crowell, Terrance West and Glenn Winston the Browns have three guys going into their second seasons that they like a lot. A veteran back can help stabilize the room and provide guidance much as Miles Austin did for the receiver last year.

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Being able to produce in a limited role will be important as well. Austin did, Tate didn’t. We do not expect the Browns to take a chance on CJ0K for that role this year. As Cimini pointed out, Johnson struggled with limited carries. His style was/is more of a boom or bust prospect. He would have good averages but that was based on a couple big runs.

Johnson also has never presented himself as the veteran, mentor type. He has always seemed more worried about getting his money and his carries then what was best for the team. Instead of hitting the hole for a good 3 to 4 yard gain he always dances trying to find the 40 – 50 yard gains. That type of player won’t cut it with Ray Farmer and Mike Pettine’s Browns.

There are a number of veteran backs that will be available via free agency and we expect the Browns to sniff around a few. Darren McFadden, with his relationship with new Browns OC John DeFilippo, seems like he might be a fit but the Browns won’t feel the pressure to overpay for their 3rd/4th running back.

Do you think the Browns should try to sign Chris Johnson?

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