The New York Jets are slowly starting to form what their roster will look like in 2015 and offense is getting top priority. The Jets have a lot of holes to fill on that side of the ball and a lot of decisions to make on key players. With free agency right around the corner, the Jets have to start deciding who stays and who goes and running back Chris Johnson is the first to get cut.
The Jets announced that they have released running back Johnson after declining the option on his contract. Johnson was a big offseason signing for New York as they were hopeful he could return to the type of back who rushed for 2,000 yards just a few seasons ago. However, Johnson underwhelmed once again after signing a two-year contract, putting up just 663 yards which was a career low for the veteran.
Johnson's release is certainly a steep fall from grace for the running back who was once considered the best player in the league. The Jets will move forward with just two running backs on the roster in Chris Ivory and Daryl Richardson. Bilal Powell is also a free agent. That means the Jets will need a big body to help out and could seriously use to get a premier workhorse to help out whoever steps in at quarterback.
With Todd Bowles at head coach, the Jets are looking for big-time playmakers. They could easily be in the running for someone like DeMarco Murray who might not return to the Dallas Cowboys. They could try and push for Adrian Peterson who could be available. Players like LeSean McCoy, Mark Ingram or Matt Forte in trades could also be strong options.
Johnson is not the only player likely getting cut under the new Jets regime. Michael Vick is expected to be gone as well along with wide receiver Percy Harvin. The Jets have an expensive decision to make on Harvin who is a heavy cap hit for the remainder of his contract. New York needs a playmaker to run alongside Eric Decker and Harvin has not done enough to prove he is that player at his contract number. The New York Daily News is reporting the Harvin release is likely a done deal.
The Jets will either stick with Geno Smith at quarterback, draft Marcus Mariota or sign a veteran free agent to stabilize the quarterback role. They will need better offensive playmakers to work with as Johnson and Harvin are just not cutting it.
