NFL New York Jets

New York Jets Lose Little By Releasing Chris Johnson

Fresh Videos

By @GregSulik

chris johnson jets

Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

There was little doubt that the New York Jets were going to release Chris Johnson at some point this offseason, and they got it out of the way early by declining the veteran running back’s option for next season on Saturday. Johnson was brought in last offseason to give the Jets a speed back with some receiving skills, but things just never jelled for him in New York.

Johnson is clearly not the explosive back he once was, though he did display some flashes of his old big play ability with the Jets. However, in the end Johnson recorded just 155 carries for 633 yards and one touchdown this year, all career lows. The Jets tried to give him an opportunity early in the season to seize the starting job, but Chris Ivory simply outplayed Johnson at every turn. Going forward, the Jets are committed to making Ivory their lead back, a fact that pushes Johnson out of the picture.

Johnson complained about his role at several points throughout the season as he adapted to being in a time share for the first time in his career, but his play simply didn’t warrant a bigger number of carries. Johnson was all but certain to be released anyway, but his arrest in January sealed his fate with the Jets. Not that they really need it, but the Jets will save $3.5 million against the cap as a result of this move.

The Jets don’t lose much by releasing Johnson, as his limited production can pretty easily be replaced. However, they do need to add a player with speed and receiving skills to round out the backfield and give them a solid third down back. C.J. Spiller is going to be among the names that are most frequently thrown out there, though someone like Jacquizz Rodgers could be a solid fit as well.

All in the all, Johnson and the Jets simply weren’t the right fit for each other. Johnson believes he can still be a lead back, and the Jets were simply never going to commit to him in that capacity. Johnson was never able to provide the big plays or receiving threat that the Jets were looking for, and there was no way to justify his price tag.

It was in the best interest of both parties to move on, and it’s hard to image a scenario in which the Jets miss Johnson. The team will definitely be looking for another running back this offseason, but that doesn’t mean they lost anything of significance with this move.

Greg Sulik is a New York Jets writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @GregSulik or add him to your network on Google

Share Tweet
Trending Now on