It appears that more teams are removing themselves from the Chris Johnson sweepstakes than there are of teams adding themselves to the list of possible landing spots. The running back has been on the market for almost a week and has yet to take an official visit with anyone. Despite the lack of jet setting, there are several teams interested, but the list is getting smaller by the day.
The Miami Dolphins have removed themselves as an option. The team recently signed Knowshon Moreno to a deal in hopes that he can continue his career-high numbers in South Beach. With Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller also taking up spots on the roster, there is simply no room for Johnson. The Buffalo Bills are also gone from the race. While the team has toyed with the idea of trading Fred Jackson, head coach Doug Marrone remains adamant that CJ Spiller and the veteran create one of the best running back tandems in the league.
The Atlanta Falcons have emerged as a real contender for the veteran. There are some conflicting reports as to just how interested the team is. NFL.com reported that they were one of the teams to engage in trade talks before Johnson was released. Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean has placed his money on Johnson landing in the Atlanta. The team has Stephen Jackson, but he struggled with health and productivity. They also have Jacquizz Rodgers who is a quality star. The Falcons have been projected to draft a rookie this year, but if Johnson is available for cheap, he could be the better option.
The Dallas Cowboys are also an option for Johnson, but a long one at best. The team has Demarco Murray, but Jerry Jones has questioned his ability to carry the ground game on his own. Dallas does not have a lot of salary cap space to work with, so the only way the veteran is headed to the Lone Star State is if his contract demands are low.
The New York Jets remain the best possible team for Johnson. The New York Daily News reports the Jets are very interested in Johnson and have no concerns regarding his health or work ethic. The issue is money. The team has around $25 million in cap flexibility, but they are balking at the demands of Johnson. They are looking for another star running back to pair with Chris Ivory and could fold for Johnson.
