Should the Jets Target Larry Johnson?

by John B on Nov 10, 2009 11:03 AM EST

Let's talk Larry Johnson. The Chiefs released the former Pro Bowl running back yesterday. Should the Jets at least put out some feelers?

Pros:

He'd be insurance for Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene. Most teams use two backs in today's NFL. The Jets are a team built on the run game. They already lost one key back to injury. It would be nice to add a little extra depth.
Johnson's been to two Pro Bowls and on two All Pro teams.
He would help the Jets pound defenses with a three back rotation.
This year has been a struggle, but he did average 4.5 yards per carry.
He would likely come relatively cheap after an ugly divorce from the Chiefs.

Cons:

There's that whole thing about struggling this year. He's only running for 2.7 yards per carry.
There are major character concerns. Anti-gay slurs earned him a suspension this year, and he's had run ins with the law. New York isn't the kind of place people avoid controversy and trouble. Even if he kept his nose clean, is the media circus worth a guy likely to play a relatively minor role?
Running backs grow on trees. Every year teams pick up guys off the scrap heap who immediately step in and produce. If anything happens to Jones or Greene, the Jets can do that. There might even be a guy on the roster, Danny Woodhead, capable.

I expect the Jets to conduct their due dilligence and come to the conclusion there's no need to sign a guy like Larry Johnson. What would you do?

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risk with little to no need

unless he wants to play on special teams.

by jahworks on Nov 10, 2009 1:10 PM EST reply actions

Yes he isnt the most popular player in the league right now. Yes, he is only avg 2..7 yd/att. But I agree with Jetsfan in SC. Take a flier on the guy. Its not like we dont have the cash to throw around. We are after all A NY team. The change might do him some good and Bray is there to keep him company. Bray is after all making the most of his time in NY, y cant LJ do the same. It would of been better if this was done before the bye so he would have some time to learn some plays, but the chiefs just didnt want to do us a favor. :) Lets just wait and see what happens. Either way isnt not a bad idea to kick the tires.

by JEDIJOKERS2 on Nov 10, 2009 1:50 PM EST reply actions

Unlike the Braylon Edwards deal

I don’t see the need at the position worth the risk of the acquisition. With Braylon we needed a receiver, it was clear, but we don’t need a back, we have three guys on the active roster now, and like John said, it’s not hard to find another lying around. He just has personality issues, where as Braylon just had performance issues and punched LeBrons mate. Braylon was never the guy who would come in and ruin chemistry, but Larry might well do that. Not worth the risk IMO

Writer
Gang Green Nation
www.ganggreennation.com

by David_Wyatt on Nov 10, 2009 2:23 PM EST reply actions

Don't want to rock the boat

Thomas Jones seems to be hitting his stride. Shonny has a few flashes. We don’t need more drama. Let’s just play football.

by Togaman7 on Nov 10, 2009 4:07 PM EST reply actions

Agreed

If god forbid another of our backs does go down however, then I would be all for it, character issues and all.

Writer
Gang Green Nation
www.ganggreennation.com

by David_Wyatt on Nov 10, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions

Would you rather have him - or face him?

I heard one general manager say the litmus test for signing a free agent is—would you rather have him play for you, or play against you. You know the Patriots will consider signing him. So, fellow jet fans, would you rather have Larry J in green, or face him in a couple of weeks?

by seasonticketssince'64 on Nov 10, 2009 5:23 PM EST reply actions

I can honestly say that I would have no problems with us facing him, I think our defence is more than capable of doing a job with him on the Patriots or with any other team. I just don’t see the benefit in paying another guy to take carries away from Greene when he has character issues.

Writer
Gang Green Nation
www.ganggreennation.com

by David_Wyatt on Nov 10, 2009 5:31 PM EST up reply actions

I’m new to the site, this may have already been covered, but i’ll go ahead and ask anyway: Is there any reason why you spell Defense with a C?

by ilovethisgame on Nov 11, 2009 8:03 PM EST up reply actions

He's British dude

by Exystence on Nov 12, 2009 10:24 AM EST up reply actions

In fairness his struggles this year might be due to the awful KC Oline. But I don’t see the Jets picking him up.

by Mark D on Nov 10, 2009 5:34 PM EST reply actions

Yeah, the Jets surprised me enough this year I dont see them picking him up, most likely Seattle

by bllackkman on Nov 10, 2009 7:39 PM EST reply actions

We already have one superstar problem child...

We don’t need another. Besides we’re leading the league in rushing. We don’t need him to come in bitch and moan about carries.

by Crackback on Nov 10, 2009 9:21 PM EST reply actions

Amen

“It’s not unusual to be loved by anyone” – Tom Jones

by FlyNYJ on Nov 11, 2009 3:20 AM EST up reply actions

when i think of picking up RBs from KC

i think of derrick blaylock.

and i cringe.

i know they’re different players but still.

and the home of the... JETS!!!

by dvdvil on Nov 11, 2009 9:43 AM EST reply actions

LOL I also immediately thought of this

plus consider Larry Johnson got hit with the Curse of 370… and he’s definitely no Eric Dickerson

by Exystence on Nov 11, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions

With or without a ruling by the special master, the Chiefs will release Larry Johnson. The day before his suspension was supposed to up, Chiefs’ management had Larry Johnson released, though he probably won’t clear waivers. It’s rumored that he might get picked up later by the Washington Redskins, as they need a running back – but it isn’t anywhere close to certain. At any rate, aside from guaranteed quick cash from contracts, after the Chiefs had Larry Johnson released might have a more stable locker room, which might lead them to win a few more games.

by Ramir_U on Nov 18, 2009 5:32 AM EST reply actions