When Chris Johnson was entering the NFL Draft, the New York Jets were interested. Back in 2008, the running back put up the fastest 40-yard dash time, a record that still stands in 2014. However, the Jets drafted Vernon Gholston and Dustin Keller in the first round and passed on Johnson who ended up going 24th overall. Now with Johnson available once again, do the Jets dare pass up on him like in the past?
Johnson is hoping to have a team selected by the end of this week. However, more teams are coming out and saying they are not interested in the running back rather than taking a visit with him. According to ESPN.com, the Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons have taken their names off the list. Head coach Jeff Fisher has said he is not interested in a reunion with his former player and the St. Louis Rams will not be making a move for the free agent. According to the Boston Globe, the New England Patriots are not interested despite losing LeGarrette Blount.
According to ESPN.com, the New York Jets are the likely landing spot for Johnson this week, but only if the team makes some moves in order to afford him. It is being reported that with the interest of Johnson will come the release of Mike Goodson in the coming days. The running back is a $1.3 million salary cap hit and considering he is still working out his legal issues from last season, the Jets are ready to cut their losses with him.
Johnson and the Jets appear to be the perfect fit if the veteran is willing to lower his expectations on the contract offer. The Jets have been salary cap strapped from the start and are in no position to offer him a deal similar to what he was working on with the Tennessee Titans. With more teams denying interest in Johnson, he will be smart to take what he can get.
The other best option for Johnson will be the Dallas Cowboys. While DeMarco Murray is the lead running back and will remain that way, the Cowboys need a solid No. 2 and that will come with Johnson. Again, it will depend on the contract demands from Johnson.
