It’s been six years since running back Chris Johnson played for the New York Jets, but the decision still haunts him.
Johnson tweeted on Monday night about his free agency decision in 2014. In the tweet, he wondered how he picked the Jets over the Ravens in free agency after spending six years with the Tennessee Titans.
Later on, Johnson tweeted again, this time saying that he meant no disrespect to the Jets organization. Rather, he explained that Gang Green was already set at the running back position with Chris *Ivory* and Bilal Powell.
In retrospect, Johnson did make a bad decision. That year the Jets finished dead last in the AFC East with a 4-12 record, while the Ravens went 10-6 and won a playoff game.
In his only season with the Jets, Johnson didn’t record 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career. Johnson finished with 663 rushing yards and one touchdown with the Jets. Meanwhile, his rushing attempts per game dipped to less than 10 carries per game after he averaged at least 16 in six years with Tennessee.
As for the Ravens running back situation in 2014, it worked out quite well for them. That was the year Justin Forsett exploded for 1,266 rushing yards and eight touchdowns, which was good enough for a Pro Bowl appearance.
Unfortunately for Johnson, he can’t go back in time and change his decision. But the choice still lingers in his head when he thinks of what could’ve been had he signed with Baltimore instead of New York.
