The Arizona Cardinals have signed free-agent running back Chris Johnson to a one-year deal, according to Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.
This is a smart move for the Cardinals, considering they have been looking for a running game since Bruce Arians showed up in 2013. While Andre Ellington will certainly be the featured back, Arizona was without anybody who could share the load or spell Ellington if he gets hurt again. Last year, the Cardinals ranked 31st in rushing offense.
Johnson came into the league with the Tennessee Titans and was immediately one of the best players in the league. Johnson rushed for 1,228 yards on 4.9 yards per carry as a rookie before eclipsing the 2,000-yard mark the following season while gaining 5.6 yards per carry. From there, Johnson would remain productive but never be quite the same.
Over the next four seasons, Johnson gained at least 1,047 yards while helping the Titans make the playoffs with Kerry Collins and Vince Young at the controls. Eventually, Johnson’s contract became too much to justify keeping him, leaving Tennessee to release the former superstar. Johnson signed a one-year deal with the New York Jets last offseason and was serviceable, gaining 663 rushing yards and a touchdown on 155 carries.
Arizona should be potent offensively provided Carson Palmer can stay healthy. The wide receivers are abundant with Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and John Brown with tight end Jermaine Gresham now in the fold. With the additions of Mike Iupati and D.J. Humphries on the line, look for the Cardinals to have one of the best offenses in the game. Adding Johnson simply gives Arians another weapon to work with.