Posted by ESPN.com’s Bill Williamson
While Larry Johnson, who turns 30 this month, has had off-field issues and he has declined on the field, there will likely be interest in the running back who was cut by Kansas City on Monday.
Johnson is subject to the NFL’s waiver process. He will know about 4 p.m. ET Tuesday if he is claimed or if he is a free agent. If Johnson is claimed, a team would have to pick up just less than half of his $4.55 million contract for this season. So, Johnson could pass through waivers and become a free agent.
The following is a look at some of the teams that could look at Johnson:
Chicago: The Bears have injuries in the backfield and Johnson could take some pressure off quarterback Jay Cutler.
New England: The Patriots have some needs at running back and they have a pattern of bringing in productive, but risky veterans. Some folks think the Patriots are the favorite to land Johnson.
Philadelphia: The Eagles have injuries at the position, but this could be a long shot.
Pittsburgh: The contender could use the help, but his off-field issues would likely make this a bad pairing.
Washington: Coach Jim Zorn said Monday that the Redskins have talked about Johnson. It’s a possibility.
Here is a look at the AFC West teams and if Johnson would fit:
Denver: Josh McDaniels comes from New England and he has the same philosophy that the Patriots do. But the Broncos really don’t need Johnson right now. There could be interest if the Broncos were to suffer an injury.
Oakland: The Raiders can’t use all the running backs they already have.
San Diego: The Chargers could use Johnson. They have the No. 32 ranked run offense in the league and Johnson would be a good short-yardage back there. But it is highly unlikely general manager A.J. Smith would add a character risk to a good locker room of a team that is turning the corner.
While Larry Johnson, who turns 30 this month, has had off-field issues and he has declined on the field, there will likely be interest in the running back who was cut by Kansas City on Monday.
Johnson is subject to the NFL’s waiver process. He will know about 4 p.m. ET Tuesday if he is claimed or if he is a free agent. If Johnson is claimed, a team would have to pick up just less than half of his $4.55 million contract for this season. So, Johnson could pass through waivers and become a free agent.
The following is a look at some of the teams that could look at Johnson:
Chicago: The Bears have injuries in the backfield and Johnson could take some pressure off quarterback Jay Cutler.
New England: The Patriots have some needs at running back and they have a pattern of bringing in productive, but risky veterans. Some folks think the Patriots are the favorite to land Johnson.
Philadelphia: The Eagles have injuries at the position, but this could be a long shot.
Pittsburgh: The contender could use the help, but his off-field issues would likely make this a bad pairing.
Washington: Coach Jim Zorn said Monday that the Redskins have talked about Johnson. It’s a possibility.
Here is a look at the AFC West teams and if Johnson would fit:
Denver: Josh McDaniels comes from New England and he has the same philosophy that the Patriots do. But the Broncos really don’t need Johnson right now. There could be interest if the Broncos were to suffer an injury.
Oakland: The Raiders can’t use all the running backs they already have.
San Diego: The Chargers could use Johnson. They have the No. 32 ranked run offense in the league and Johnson would be a good short-yardage back there. But it is highly unlikely general manager A.J. Smith would add a character risk to a good locker room of a team that is turning the corner.
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
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