The Arizona Cardinals have signed free agent Chris Johnson to a contract and now the running back will join Andre Ellington, David Johnson and Stepfan Taylor on the depth chart for quarterback Carson Palmer and head coach Bruce Arians.
Johnson has been on the free agent market for quite some time and Jay Glazer at Fox Sports is reporting that the running back is signing a one-year contract. Johnson reportedly had a workout and a physical for the team on Monday and it comes after Johnson spent last season with the Jets. Johnson was originally drafted by the Titans and he dealt with a shoulder injury after a gunshot wound. Johnson's deal is reportedly worth $2 million.
Johnson only rushed 155 times last season for 663 yards for the Jets and those numbers were career lows for the running back. Johnson will be 30 when the season starts and if he shows some consistency this preseason, he could be one of the top two backs on the depth chart. Ellington dealt with injuries last season and while Johnson has potential, he is a rookie and may not be ready to carry the load.
Johnson split time with Chris Ivory for the Jets and he averaged a healthy 4.3 yards per carry last season and he may still have something left in the tank. Johnson previously had rushed for at least 1,000 yards in every season of his career. Johnson is a durable back and that is what the Cardinals really need after dealing with injuries to Ellington and other RBs last season. Johnson has not missed a game since his rookie season.
