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Chris Johnson: 5 NFL teams that must sign him

By Dan Salem

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Chris Johnson is an NFL free agent with miles to burn. Which team should sign him? Here are five teams that must sign Chris Johnson now. Dan Salem and Todd Salem debate in today’s NFL TD Sports Debate. Two brothers from New York yell, scream and debate the NFL and sports.

TODD:

The New York Jets declined Chris Johnson’s option for next season, making him a free agent.

C.J. is far removed from deserving his CJ2K moniker, but he still could be a useful back for some team…at the right price. He is certainly not a workhorse back anymore, or even a top option for anyone. For teams interested in his services, Johnson has to be looked at as nothing more than a change-of-pace guy.

Although he can still hit a hole when one forms, C.J. no longer has historic speed to get around the edges like he used to. Because of his small frame and weak running style, he was never a tackle-breaker even during his prime years.

The days of Johnson making the Pro Bowl are over, but that doesn’t mean he’ll be out of work for long. You saw Johnson up close and personal for a year on the Jets. He isn’t worth big money anymore, but you know what he can do.

I’ve got three possible landing spots for the veteran running back. Give me two more teams who may want to call his agent this offseason.

DAN:

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I watched Chris Johnson a lot last season and liked what I saw of his limited role on the New York Jets. He was never used consistently, but a team’s second option rarely is. I believe Johnson can shine on another team, but in a clearly defined role.

It seems most NFL teams have done away with the third-down running back concept. To me this is foolish. Teams have embraced the two-back system, embraced the change-of-pace back to mix it up on offense. But neither of those two ways of utilizing multiple running backs gives a player a well-defined role. On the Jets, Johnson saw his role defined as second fiddle to Chris Ivory. Now he’s gone.

If Johnson’s new team defines him as their third-down option, he knows what his role is. He knows its his job to get the first down on third and short yardage. Johnson has super-star blood coursing through his veins. He knows how to be great and can handle the ‘pressure’ of third down duty. His new team’s number one back would dominate first and second down situations, but see a more limited role on third down.

Regardless of how Chris Johnson is used next season, he will be signed and will contribute. I’ve got two more teams to add, rounding out five landing spots for the man once known as CJ2K.

Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Five teams that must sign CJ2K today:

1) New York Giants – NFC East

He makes a bit of sense on the Giants. New York lost their speedster, scat back, when David Wilson was forced into retirement, and by all accounts, the team is looking for someone to take that role.

Rashad Jennings is a talented runner, but may not hold up for an entire season. And Andre Williams is not a complete player at this point, entering his second season. Johnson would complete the running back trio that New York was hoping to have entering last year.

2) Buffalo Bills – AFC East

With C.J. Spiller entering free agency, Chris Johnson can be a comparable replacement for Rex Ryan and company in Buffalo. Although Johnson is older and perhaps less shifty than Spiller, if the price is right, he can be a perfect replacement.

This assumes that Johnson would be willing to re-unite with his old coach, Rex Ryan. Money talks, but so does Rex.

3) Green Bay Packers – NFC North

Assuming they have the cap room, I like the fit of Johnson on the Packers. He seems like the possible lightning to Eddie Lacy‘s thunder, not to mention the fact that Lacy is not a twenty plus carry per game guy, and needs a capable backup behind him.

With James Starks owed over $1.8 million in 2015 (according to Spotrac.com) and due to hit free agency the following season, Green Bay can look to add a more versatile third-down back to its roster.

Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports

4) New Orleans Saints – NFC South

The Saints offense loves fast, small, running backs to scat out of the backfield and into the flat. Chris Johnson is still fast, although not at his superstar level of years past. He can be an excellent compliment to Mark Ingram.

With Ingram as the every down running back and Drew Brees in need of a solid second option, enter Johnson. He easily wins the number two spot on an offensive heavy team.

5) Atlanta Falcons – NFC South

Continuing with the theme of pass-first teams, I see the Falcons as an excellent fit for Johnson’s services. They were weak in the run game last season as a team, and have Steven Jackson firmly as their number one option.

Their second option, Jacquizz Rodgers, put up barely over two hundred yards last season. Chris Johnson can easily eclipse that if given the opportunity. Pair him with a stud quarterback like Matt Ryan and watch out.

Have your own predictions / opinions on the best team to land Chris Johnson? Leave them in the comments below.

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