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New York Jets Rumors: Cutting Chris Johnson is Only Logical Option

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By @MichaelTerrill

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The New York Jets have some big decisions to make regarding current players if they want to take a step in a positive direction in preparation for the 2015 NFL season. Along with a few other veterans, the Jets will have to decide if keeping running back Chris Johnson is a smart choice. Hopefully, the organization will quickly realize cutting him is the only logical option.

Even though New York ranked third in the league in rushing (142.5 yards per game) in 2014, Johnson was not the premier back who led the charge. His 663 rushing yards on 155 attempts were secondary to starter Chris Ivory’s 821 yards on 198 carries. Not to mention, Johnson only ran for one touchdown, while Ivory found the end zone six times on the ground.

Considering Johnson is owed $3.5 million plus a $500,000 option bonus and he will be a $5.25 million cap hit, New York has no choice but to part ways with him.

This is not to say that Johnson did a horrible job last season. In fact, his 4.3 yards per carry led the team among running backs with a substantial amount of carries. It has more to do with the fact that the 30-year-old’s better days are behind him, which means New York will be paying a large amount of money to get a watered down version of his former stellar self.

Since the Jets have so many important roster moves to make before the team can even consider discussing contention in the AFC East, it would be foolish to invest valuable money into a player who will realistically not give them a better chance at winning while on the field.

Signing Johnson was clearly the right decision a year ago, but keeping him would be a devastating mistake for a Jets team that is moving to a new regime.

Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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