The free agency ended for running back Chris Johnson Monday as the Arizona Cardinals signed him to a one-year contract to address the injuries they have at the position.
According to Ed Werder of ESPN, the deal will earn Johnson $870,000 and it does not have a signing bonus; it may reach $2 million if he rushes for 1,300 yards and is selected for the Pro Bowl.
The Cardinals hope the addition of Johnson will be the answer to their troubles at the running back position since starter Andre Ellington and third-round pick David Johnson faced hamstring injuries.
Ellington and Johnson missed significant time during training camp because of the injuries and the Cardinals decided that they need to look for another running back.
Both are already in training camp, with Ellington already having played in their preseason game while Johnson is still being limited, according to ESPN.
Meanwhile, ESPN also reported that Johnson was chosen by the Cardinals among other veterans because his skill resembles that of Ellington.
Johnson was once one of the best running backs in the National Football League (NFL) and was drawing comparisons to Minnesota Vikings running back and 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Adrian Peterson.
The 30-year-old running back spent his first six seasons with the Tennessee Titans and was named to the Pro Bowl for three consecutive years (2008, 2009, and 2010) while with the team.
Tennessee released Johnson on April 4, 2014 and 12 days later, he signed a two-year deal with the New York Jets.
In 16 games played last season for New York, Johnson posted career-lows with 155 carries for 663 yards and just one touchdown.
Last season was the first time in his career that he was unable to rush for more than 1,000 yards.
Along with his struggles on the field, Johnson also faced issues off it as he was arrested last January for weapon possession, although no charges were filed. He was shot in the shoulder in a drive-by shooting last March.
