Free Agent Cornerback Chris Johnson Scheduled to Visit the New York Jets on Monday

Published: 22^nd Apr 12 10:36 am

by Jon Presser
New York Jets Lead Columnist

RANT It!

Kevin Hoffman-US PRESSWIRE

Chris Johnson may become the newest member of the New York Jets.

That would be Chris Johnson, the cornerback.

Not Chris Johnson, the running back, he of the 2,000-yard rushing season. Tennessee Titans fans can exhale.

This Chris Johnson is a 32-year-old free agent cornerback who played the last five seasons with the Oakland Raiders. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Johnson will visit the Jets on Monday.

The Jets could use some depth at the backup cornerback spots, after letting Marquice Cole and Donald Strickland walk in free agency.

Right now, 2010 1st-round pick Kyle Wilson is the slot cornerback behind starters Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie on the outside.

Johnson has not played a lot of snaps in the slot in his career, but the Jets seem to be doing their due diligence looking at backup cornerbacks at the moment.

Johnson was drafted in the seventh round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, 245th overall. He played for the St. Louis Rams in 2005 and had a 99-yard kick return for a touchdown that season.

He landed with the Raiders in 2007, where over the last five seasons he’s gotten the most playing time of his career.

The former Louisville Cardinal started 29 games for Oakland over the last five seasons, including a career-high 15 starts in 2009 at age 30.

He has eight career interceptions and 49 passes defensed.

Generally, over the course of his career, he has faired better in part-time duty than as a starter, which is relevant because if he does end up signing with the Jets, he won’t be in the starting lineup.

The Jets have ten selections in the 2012 NFL Draft, so it’s possible they could select a few defense backs to shore up their depth that way as well.

Chris Johnson may be nice insurance either way.

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