John Idzik has not reached out to Chris Johnson
Chris Johnson (28) carries the ball against the Houston Texans during the second half at LP Field. Tennessee won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Jets have taken things slowly this offseason, and that’s frustrated plenty of fans who would like to see second-year John Idzik make more upgrades. They have made a few notable signings this offseason with the biggest one being the much-needed acquisition of star wide receiver Eric Decker, but they were reluctant to spend big on a cornerback and settled a bit for decent CB2 Dimitri Patterson. Idzik is a smart cap guy who is as prudent as they come, but some worry that he has crossed the fine line between prudency and complacency.
According to the New York Daily News’s Manish Mehta, Idzik hasn’t reached out to Chris Johnson or his camp following his release from the Tennessee Titans yesterday, but the Jets were among four teams to show trade interest. They’ve always been expected to have interest in Johnson upon his release as long as the price is right, so they might be a bit slow to contact CJ1K for other reasons. I mean, it’s even possible that they aren’t going to contact him until the papework is officially filed, as tweets in response to Mehta’s reports indicate that the paperwork hasn’t been sent through yet.
It would be a disappointment for the Jets not to take a serious look at Chris Johnson as an option in the backfield, because he has consistently produced. Even though he averaged under four yards per carry last year, he still managed to run for over 1,000 yards despite playing on an injured knee. A change of scenery could do him well, and I also think the explosive rusher would be more consistent with the Jets since he wouldn’t have to carry the load. Chris Ivory is a very talented back, but he isn’t a pure workhorse due to injuries. CJ is the kind of talented speed back the Jets could definitely use, as Mike Goodson is no sure thing as a change-of-pace guy due to injury and off-field concerns. If the Jets don’t sign Johnson, then they would likely go for a running back later on in the draft to add to their current stable.