Running back Chris Johnson told Alex Marvez of Sporting News and SiriusXM NFL Radio on Tuesday that he and the Cardinals “definitely interested” in renewing their relationship for a third year, but the impending free agent wants to test the open market before making a decision.
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“I think I want to go out there and see what options I have first,” said Johnson, who dipped into the free agent waters last offseason before re-signing with the Cardinals on a deal worth up to $3MM.
The 31-year-old Johnson has taken a backseat to David Johnson in the Arizona backfield over the past season-plus. Before going on injured reserve with a groin ailment last October, Chris Johnson accrued just 25 carries in four games. Going forward, it doesn’t seem such a limited workload is going to suffice for the nine-year veteran, who has six 1,000-yard seasons – including a 2,000-yard campaign – and three Pro Bowl nods on his resume.
“I need to be involved,” the speedster declared. “At this point in my career, I don’t want to sit on the sideline. I want to get in the game.”
Johnson was far more involved in his first year in Arizona, 2015, when he tallied 196 carries, 814 yards and three scores in 11 games (nine starts). But that season also ended early for Johnson, who fractured his tibia, thus opening the door for David Johnson to burst on the scene and become one of the NFL’s premier players.
Given that teammate and fellow back Andre Ellington is also set for free agency, it’s possible Chris Johnson will return to the Cardinals as David Johnson’s top backup. Otherwise the former Titan and Jet will look to join the fourth NFL team.