The New York Jets are hoping a revamped run game will Geno Smith transition better in his second year as quarterback. The Jets have attempted to make the ground game a priority for the offense, but normally fail to execute the plan. However, this year they signed Chris Johnson off the free agent market to try and change that. However, could an injury derail that plan and force a plan B?
Johnson underwent offseason knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. The running back stressed that it was a minor procedure that would not hinder him going forward. However, that appears to not be so true now. Johnson was recently interviewed by WFAN and noted that he is still attempting to recover from the procedure and will miss OTAs and possibly a chunk of training camp. He offered no timetable for his return to the field only to say that he is certain he will be healthy for the start of the season.
Behind Johnson is not enough firepower to recharge the Jets' offense. The veteran was projected to be the starter while Chris Ivory and Bilal Powell compete as backup. Ivory and Powell are not good enough to carry the offense if Johnson turns out to not be as healthy as he is letting on. The New York Post had even suggested Powell was going to be released come training camp simply because he did not have enough to offer with Johnson on the roster. If that plan continues, are the Jets going to be forced to strike a deal and bring in one more back for help?
The Jets could look to the San Francisco 49ers for a trade involving Lamichael James. New York needs more offensive weapons. The team has been glancing into the free agent pool heading into OTAs and has even been linked to a trade for Andre Johnson if the Texans make him available. James would be an excellent fit. He has barely been used in San Francisco so his legs are injury free. He offers real bursts of speed along with excellent hands for pass catching. He would be an easy target for Smith to work with.
The Jets could look to Mark Ingram with the New Orleans Saints, but there is no guarantee that he is even available. The Saints denied his fifth-year option leaving many to believe that the Saints will trade him for the right price. The Jets are likely not willing to give up enough for another back at this point in the season. Felix Jones is still sitting on the free agent market and the Jets could sign him for cheap. Johnson's future is uncertain. The Jets gave him a nice deal and expect him to be on the field. Smith and Michael Vick need him.
