Chris Johnson, Arizona Cardinals Working On Deal

Veteran running back Chris Johnson could land with the Arizona Cardinals before the start of the new NFL season, according to multiple reports.

The 29-year-old Johnson, a free agent after spending one year with the New York Jets, was reportedly offered a contract by the Cardinals last week, according to NFL.com.

The Cardinals are short-handed at the running back position with hamstring injuries to David Johnson and Marion Grice although previous starter Andre Ellington re-joined the team’s 11-on-11 drills. Wide receiver Michael Floyd also injured his hand and there is no timetable for his return.

Johnson has earned over $40 million in his NFL career and is expected to sign a short one term deal in Arizona, according to ESPN. Johnson, who was a first round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft or the 24th overall selection, played his best years with the Tennessee Titans from 2008 to 2013 making the Pro Bowl squad in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Johnson has earned over $40 million in his NFL career and is expected to sign a short one term deal in Arizona, according to ESPN.

Johnson is not one of the most pursued free agents due to an arrest in the offseason for openly carrying a weapon although no charges have been made against the veteran running back. He is also involved in another drive-by-shooting incident where he was shot in the right shoulder.

In 16 games for the Jets in the 2014 regular season, he ran for 663 rushing yards on 155 carries with one touchdown. He was the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 when he ran for 2,006 rushing yards on 358 attempts producing career-high 14 touchdowns.

The Cardinals were one of the worst teams on the ground last season in the entire league producing just 3.29 yards per carry in the 2014 season, and the team is hoping the acquisition of Johnson will help their running game in the upcoming 2015 season.