Jets running back Chris Johnson was arrested in his hometown of Orlando, Florida on Friday on a misdemeanor weapons charge, according to a police report obtained by Erika Esola (via Twitter). Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk confirms the report, stating Johnson was arrested for open carrying of a firearm.
Smith notes that Johnson has a license to carry in his home state of Florida, but the arrest was for “open carrying,” not just carrying. This implies that Johnson likely wasn’t concealing his weapon. Meanwhile, ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini tweets that the Jets are aware of the situation, but are not commenting.
Following one of the worst seasons of his career, the arrest certainly won’t help Johnson’s case of sticking in New York. The veteran joined the Jets shortly after he was released by the Titans in April, inking a two-year deal worth $8MM. Johnson rewarded the Jets by establishing career-lows in rushing yards (663), rushing attempts (155) and touchdowns (two). Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics (subscription required) weren’t impressed with Johnson’s performance; the website ranked the 29-year-old 46th among 57 eligible running back candidates.
Luckily for the Jets, they can easily move on from the former Pro Bowler. The team holds a second-year option worth $4MM, and they can either accept or decline it by February.