7:20pm: Johnson is deciding between the Dolphins and Cardinals, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (on Twitter). Other teams have requested visits with Johnson, but he’s not expected to make them, per La Canfora.
10:50am: Having missed out on their targets at running back so far this month, the Dolphins are now eyeing veteran free agent Chris Johnson. Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter) that CJ2K is traveling to Miami today to visit with the club.
Johnson, who turned 30 last September, had a bounce-back season of sorts in 2015 with the Cardinals. While his average of 4.2 yards per carry was actually a slight step down from his production with the Jets, the former first-round pick saw more playing time and got more touches in Arizona, racking up 814 rushing yards in just 11 games.
Unfortunately for Johnson, a fractured tibia suffered in the second half of the season sidelined him for the stretch run. Having been placed on IR with the designation to return, the veteran back would have been eligible to return to action if the Cardinals made the Super Bowl, but the team fell just short, losing to the Panthers in the NFC championship game.
Although Johnson has expressed a desire to re-sign with the Cardinals, Arizona has David Johnson penciled in for the starting role, with Andre Ellington as a change of pace, so it makes sense that CJ2K would explore other opportunities. If were to sign with the Dolphins, Johnson may have an opportunity to carry a heavier load, since second-year back Jay Ajayi currently its atop the depth chart.
The Dolphins saw Lamar Miller depart in free agency, signing a four-year deal with the Texans. Miami then attempted to land restricted free agent C.J. Anderson, but the Broncos ultimately decided to match Anderson’s four-year, $18MM offer sheet from the Fins.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Welcome to Miami CJ2K I see that being a great fit!!!