Free Agent Replacements For Titans Running Back Chris Johnson

Dec 29, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson (28) is tackled by Houston Texans middle linebacker Jeff Tarpinian (52) and teammate Houston Texans free safety Shiloh Keo (31) during the second half at LP Field. Tennessee won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

It’s beginning to become completely clear that Chris Johnson will not be in a Tennessee Titans uniform come next season. It was reported a month ago that he would be cut, due to his under-performance and his $8 million salary. And, just yesterday, CJ”2K” said that he felt his talent was being wasted. His recent statement makes it obvious that he isn’t watching his own game tape. I bet the Titans decision-makers are.

To say Johnson has been a bad running back the past couple of years would not be hyperbole whatsoever. Last year, he was given excuses because the offensive line was a mess. This year, with a revamped offensive line that was very solid, he did very little with the touches he was given. He averaged 3.9 yards per carry, just .1 yards better than backup Shonn Greene, who is getting paid way less. His longest run was also only 30 yards, only one yard better than Greene’s longest, and seven yards worse than third-string Jackie Battle‘s longest, who also has the same yards per carry as Johnson.

I’m not hating on CJ. I still like him both as a person and as a serviceable running back, but he is not the same player that was given that massive contract after putting up record numbers his first two seasons.

CJ’s time in Tennessee is almost up, and with that may come time for a new running back to wear the two-toned blue. Greene played well given his limited number of touches, but I expect the Titans to try to find a better featured running back, either through the draft or free agency. If they go the route of free agency, they may find some very intriguing options.