The Arizona Cardinals added veteran running back Chris Johnson. Johnson agreed to a one year deal worth $870,000. He could earn up to $2 million if he rushes for 1,300 yards and is named to the Pro Bowl. What kind of deal is this for Arizona?
In past years Chris Johnson was one of the best running backs in the league. Johnson was drafted 24th overall in the 2008 NFL draft by the Tennessee Titans. He has been a solid running back. During his career he has run for 8,628 yards with an amazing 4.5 yards per rush and 51 touchdowns. His best year came in 2009 when he joined the “2,000 Yard Rushing Club,” rushing for 2,006 yards.
Last offseason he decided to join the New York Jets signing a two year $8 million dollar contract. It was a year to forget. Johnson only gained 663 yards and scored only one touchdown, the lowest totals in his career. The Jets declined to exercise the option to pick up the second year of his deal making him a free agent.
The Arizona Cardinals were looking to add a veteran running back. Andre Ellington and rookie David Johnson have missed time in training camp due to hamstring injuries. The Cardinals decided to take a chance on Chris Johnson.
According to Arizonasports.com, Chris Johnson said, “I didn’t want to go anywhere that wasn’t a winning team or somebody that was on the verge of winning. I’m going on year eight of my career, and I’m ready to win now.” He feels that the Cardinals have a chance to not only win the division, but possibly go far in the NFL Playoffs.
On paper the Cardinals do have a decent team. They have a defense that will force turnovers and sack the quarterback. The offense starts with Carson Palmer. He has two dangerous receivers in Michael Floyd and Larry Fitzgerald. They were only missing a running back.
Chris Johnson will have to show the Cardinals that he deserves carries in games. The Cardinals now have a running back that can run for 1,000+ yards. They have to give him the ball on a continual basis to have some sort of threat in the running game. It will be up to the offensive line to create the holes for him to run through. On paper this is a great deal. They didn’t have to pay a whole lot for him and he can gain big yards for them. It’s a low risk, high reward type of move. It seems like a great fit. The rest of training camp and the start of the regular season will determine if it ends up being a decent move.
What do you think of the Arizona Cardinals adding Chris Johnson?
Leave a Reply