For over 24 hours now, running back Larry Johnson has been a free agent.
If this happened in a fantasy football league, someone just dropping a high quality starting running back, he’d be off the board in minutes.
Of course in the NFL you have to consider team chemistry, salary cap ramifications and other things, but if you have a glaring hole at running back, why not roll the dice with a proven commodity?
Johnson just turned 30 years old and ever since he was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in 2003, has been the absolute definition of a work horse.
Just look at his statistics during the 2005 and 2006 seasons, his workload was simply incredible.
2005- 336 rushing attempts, 1,750 yards, 20 touchdowns and 5.2 yards per carry
2006- 416 rushing attempts, 1,789 yards, 17 touchdowns and 4.3 yards per carry
In those two seasons he had 752 carries, that’s more than Marion Barber, a starting running back and Pro Bowler, had during the first FOUR years of his career (715 carries) with the Dallas Cowboys.
Johnson’s tenure in Kansas City seemed to be coming to an end, but what’s shocking is how abruptly it happened. The Chiefs let him go (weirdly because of his twitter account) for questioning coach Todd Haley and making slurs online.
For most of his career, Johnson has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was charged with assault three different times (twice for touching a woman at a nightclub) and has been suspended each of the past two seasons.
While clearly not blameless in these situations, Johnson does have the talent to be a premier rusher in the league. This release may serve as a wakeup call and force him to play better.
Wherever he lands up, Johnson will be in a better situation. The Chiefs are absolutely horrible. Haley, in his first year, fired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey in the preseason and then took over play calling.
Kansas City is 1-8 and their offense has been horrible.
They rank 27th in points per game (15.8), last in yards per game (257.8) 28th in passing yards per game (161.6) and 24th in rushing (96.1).
Suiting up in a new uniform is the best possible thing for Johnson and since he cleared waivers, any team in the league can sign him.
Here’s a list of squads that could definitely use Johnson running the ball.
Chicago Bears
Matt Forte has gone through an incredible sophomore slump (441 rushing yards and 3 total touchdowns, down from 1,238 and 12 a year ago) and the Bears offense has sputtered as Minnesota and Green Bay pull away in the division.
With the third worst rushing offense in the league, Johnson’s presence would take a great deal of pressure of quarterback Jay Cutler and once again make Chicago a force in the NFC.
Houston Texans
Much like Forte, running back Steve Slaton has struggled in his second year. The drop numbers have been just as staggering (359 rushing yards, 6 total touchdowns down from 1,282 and 10 in 2008) but what hurts the Texans even more is that Slaton can’t hold onto the ball.
Through nine games, Slaton put the ball on the turf seven times and has lost five fumbles this year. Since 2005, Johnson has only 15 fumbles total. The Texans have a dynamic offense with wide receiver Andre Johnson, paring him with Larry would be a huge bonus.
Indianapolis Colts
Usually it’s not good to mess with an undefeated team.
But potential franchise running backs don’t come onto the market too often, and if the Colts have a glaring weakness, it’s at running back.
Indianapolis ranks second-to-last in the NFL in rushing (85.4 yards per game) and if they want Peyton Manning to get his second Super Bowl ring, they need to do something drastic.
The Colts would be a perfect situation. Johnson would HAVE to defer to Manning and he’d be on a successful team for the first time in his entire career.
Absolutely perfect matches on both sides, plus the Colts instantly become the team to beat in the post season.
New England Patriots
Remember when New England pulled the same move a few years ago landing Corey Dillon from the Bengals for nothing?
The Patriots sent a second-round pick to Cincinnati and he became their lead back. The move was a successful one and may have been the main reason why the club acquired often-troubled receiver Randy Moss.
New England is always a threat in the post season and after struggling during the regular season, Johnson’s presence could make them the top team in the AFC once again.
Dallas Cowboys
No NFL rumor list would be complete without them. They’re like the Yankees, doesn’t matter who the player is or what position he plays, they’re always interested.
Not really needing a running back having Barber, Felix Jones and Tashard Choice, the Cowboys have deep pockets and are always looking to make noise throughout the league.
Although it’s not likely, don’t be surprised to hear Jerry Jones was chatting up with Johnson’s agent this week.
Green Bay Packers
Isn’t it crazy how many teams could use a running back? The only way Johnson signs with a team is if he is the lead back, but in every situation he would be.
With the Packers, Johnson would have a dominant offensive line and would split carries with Ryan Grant.
Even though the Packers have a potent rushing attack, Johnson could easily turn around a disappointing season (4-4) that began with many touting the club as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
New York Jets
Having already acquired someone with a shady reputation (wide receiver Braylon Edwards) the Jets showed everyone they only care about talent.
New York has already lost Leon Washington, the team’s backup running back, for the season due to a knee injury and starter Thomas Jones has been balling out (704 yard, 7 touchdowns) and the Jets surprisingly lead the league in rushing (177.6 yards per game).
With all the success on the ground, the Jets are 4-4 and need to do something to take down New England within the division. Johnson would be a great way to close the gap.
