New York Jets: Team must move on from Chris Johnson
The New York Jets for the past few years have prided themselves on being a ground and pound offense. Even though last season they ranked third in the NFL at rushing yards per game at 142.5, running back Chris Johnson was nowhere near the kind of athlete that came with the major hype when it was announced he was acquired by the team. When the Jets signed him, it was assumed he would rekindle the energy and production he once had when he entered the league. Needless to say, Johnson failed to deliver when it mattered most.
For the first time in his career, he didn’t reach over 1,000 rushing yards. With just 663 yards and one touchdown, it looked like he was a player on the decline. Johnson was brought in to compliment running back Chris Ivory but ended up playing like a backup. Ivory stepped up tremendously and had one of his best seasons to date. Ivory rushed for 821 yards and six touchdowns as he was the dominant back on the Jets offense last year.
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Now that the offseason is here, the Jets have some interesting decisions to make, especially when it comes to Johnson. If he’s on the roster by Feb. 16, it will trigger a $500,000 option and the final year of the original contract he signed with the Jets. Ivory is entering the final year of his deal so the Jets need to decide what to do at running back since it will be key for their next offensive system under Chan Gailey and making it work.
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Since the Jets will be aggressive in free agency thanks to general manager Mike Maccagnan wanting to acquire key upgrades across the team, it would be wise for them to cut Johnson before his option kicks in. Should the Jets release Johnson, they will save $3.5 million from the salary cap which could be used to acquire better talent. The Jets need to realize that Johnson isn’t going to dramatically improve next season based on what everyone saw last year.
The ideal situation for the Jets would be to release Johnson and either find a running back to pair up with Ivory or pick one in the 2015 NFL Draft. In free agency this year, they have a few solid running backs that could come in and contribute immediately. Ivory should still be considered a starting running back as the Jets simply need to find someone that can step in and either convert key third downs or be more of a finesse kind of rusher. Ivory loves to plow his way through defenders so finding a running back that can be a bit speedier and elusive is key.
When looking at the list of possible free agent running backs that could be available and would actually do well on the Jets is C.J. Spiller. Since he had the best year of his career back in 2012 under Gailey, it’s ideal the Jets land him to not only reunite with Gailey but to add another dimension on offense. Spiller is a solid receiving threat and would thrive on the Jets in that kind of specialty role. This is an area Johnson didn’t do so well in last season as he only caught 24 passes for 151 yards and a touchdown.
Overall, Johnson’s days are numbered since there really is no reason for the Jets to retain his services especially with his off the field situation that occurred last year. It’s best the Jets save some salary cap money and head in a different direction at running back. Ivory is more than capable to be a quality starter as all he would need is one more teammate alongside him to help give the Jets a nice dynamic duo at the position. One that can beat teams either on the ground or through the air.
Next: New York Jets should pursue Brian Hoyer via free agency
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