Chris Johnson has ‘some’ interest from New York Jets
Chris Johnson (28) carries the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets added Chris Ivory and Mike Goodson last offseason to upgrade their running game, and both talented backs are still on the roster. Ivory is a true feature back in this league when healthy, but it doesn’t look like the Jets can rely on him to stay health. Meanwhile, Goodson has the talent to be a good RB2 in this league, but he’s definitely not somebody the Jets can rely on after his off-field and injury issues last season. In fact, it was somewhat surprising to see him back this year, and I’m sure John Idzik would have given him the ax if he didn’t agree to a paycut.
As it stands right now, the Jets could use some more help at the running back position, and they know it. The New York Daily News’s Manish Mehta reports that after missing out on top target Donald Brown (San Diego Chargers) and not signing “Plan B” option Maurice Jones-Drew (Oakland Raiders), the Jets now have “some level of interest” in Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson.
It would be an utter shock if CJ1K were to stay with the Titans for another season, because he has an untenable salary and has always been expected to be released. The Jets have also been expected to have interest in Johnson as a flier if available, and he would be a very solid signing for them at the right price. Idzik is always looking for the right price, so there is just about no risk of the cautious GM making a bad move here. Johnson is still a very talented back, and I think he and Ivory could form an excellent RB duo in New York. If the Jets don’t sign him, then look for them to make finding a mid-round RB a priority in the draft.