New York Jets running back Chris Johnson will hit free agency in March. The team announced on Saturday that it has declined his $3.5 million option for the 2015 season.
Once one of the most dynamic running backs in the NFL, Johnson’s performance has fallen off the map in recent seasons. In his only season with the Jets after signing a two-year, $8 million contract, Johnson put up just 663 rushing yards and two touchdowns. With that said, the former league-leading rusher did average a solid 4.4 yards per carry.
At 29 years old and not seen as an every-down back in the NFL, Johnson likely won’t get a ton of play on the free agent market. This is only magnified by the fact that the league itself is trending away from Johnson’s version of a running back in lieu of the more powerful down-hill runners.
While Johnson will likely catch on with a team next year, the expectation has to be that it will be a one-year deal near the veteran minimum.
As it relates to the Jets, they are going to have to go hard after a running back this offseason. Chris Ivory has proven that he’s not the guy in the backfield, and Bilal Powell is set to become a free agent next month. Look for new head coach Todd Bowles and company to make a splash in that area.
Photo: Associated Press