Not surprising nor confirmed, but reported on CBS sports.com by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com Thu, 05 Feb 2015 11:02 AM ET Jets running back Chris Johnson is scheduled to count $5.25 million against the cap in 2015, "steep for a player who would be no more than a part-time back again," reports ESPN.com. The Jets would save $3.5 million by releasing Johnson, and "that probably will be the outcome." The move could happen relatively soon, because the team has until Feb. 16 to decide whether to pay Johnson's $500,000 option bonus. Johnson, who signed a two-year, $8 million contract last offseason, will turn 30 in September and "isn't close to being the player he once was," the report said. Splitting time with Chris Ivory, Johnson rushed 155 times for 663 yards (4.3 ypc) and a touchdown, adding 24 catches for 151 yards and another score. He was arrested last month in his hometown of Orlando for open carrying of a firearm, a second-degree misdemeanor.
Yeah Id get rid of him. He's decent but bitches about carries and I think Powell will be better for 2015.
He's just not explosive enough anymore to warrant taking carries from Ivory. Not to mention his cap number. Was worth a shot considering the Jets need for home run hitters. Time to move on.
He didn't take carries from Ivory. Ivory isn't capable of anymore carries the way he runs, etc. He took them from Powell and maybe they will bring in Spiller
Agreed. I loved the move last year because it was very low risk / high reward. Even though he showed flashes, its not worth the contract and personality for the new regime. Worth the shot but time to turn the page....
Would have liked to see him out of more running friendly formations. The "running" attack of our offense has a been a joke under MM. Unless there is a re structure it's time to cut Johnson, simply not worth 5 mil against the cap. I think Powell deserves more work. I hope the Jets run some single back and I formation, with heavy run, until we find a true passing QB.
This annoyed me a lot during the season. I like seeing younger QBs out of the I or 21 personnel under center to give the QB some play action passing plays to get them some easy reads.....especially with the type of effective running game we had this year. The excuse the Geno wasn't comfortable under center isn't good enough and is lazy. Either teach him what it takes to be able to use that option or get someone in the game that can.
198 carries. 821 yards. 4.1 ypc, 6 tds. Those are Ivory's numbers and he faded down the stretch. I'm ok with the Johnson release if RB is a priority this offseason. Strong FA RB class. Matthews could be had at a discount due to injury concerns. Ridley and Vereen would both be an upgrade. Spiller will be tied to us until he signs somewhere. Draft might be our best option. Gordon is my favorite RB but he's good as gone Rd.2. Abdullah and Tevin Coleman are two great prospects..I'd love to hold off until the 3rd to take RB but not sure who'd be left.
i was hoping he'd provide more of a passing threat than he did. was worth a shot, but time to move on and find someone more effective on 3rd downs. fwiw, i'd re-sign Powell and draft a player. we still have Richardson too.
I strongly agree with this. I feel if we can't (or are not thinking about) securing another QB, then the draft list ought to contain a solid RB in the 3rd or 4th round or the free agent route - but not a 30 year old back; one with some legs left.
My guess is that the Jets sign Spiller to an extremely team friendly contract due to his down numbers and prior injuries, and then draft a RB with their 2nd - 4th round pick. If a guy like Duke Johnson fell to the Jets in the 3rd, it would be an ideal situation.
Jets have to draft a RB this year. Super stacked position this year, gotta walk away from with one of them.
He showed flashes this year but he's now a part-time player who is definitely not worth $5M+ a year. The $3.5M savings can go towards a productive FA.