NFL Player News

The 49ers are looking to trade running back LaMichael James in advance of next month's NFL Draft, reports the Sacramento Bee.

Meanwhile, James is aware of the trade rumors, apparently for a while now, since he tweeted Wednesday "when old news becomes new news" following the report.

James, a second-round pick in 2012, finds himself behind Frank Gore, Kendall Hunter and perhaps Marcus Lattimore on the depth chart at running back this season. James served as the team's primary returner last year, but he wants a bigger role since he carried the ball just 12 times in 2013.

On a conference call with New York media, new Jets running back Chris Johnson said the report that he had arthritis in his knee was "not accurate," adding that he was "pretty sure I wouldn't have passed the physical" if he did have it. 

Earlier Thursday ESPN reported the Jets had "some concerns" about his knee. 

Johnson is expected to serve as part of a one-two punch at running back with Chris Ivory for the Jets. 

Less than 24 hours after signing Chris Johnson to a two-year deal that might be worth as much as $9 million, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Jets have some concerns over the condition of his knee. Johnson apparently has some arthritis in it stemming from his torn meniscus in 2013 (which he played through). 

Johnson hasn't missed a game in five straight seasons. He's expected to form a one-two punch with Chris Ivory in the Jets' backfield this year. 

New Jets running back Chris Johnson's two-year deal is worth $8 million with another $1 million in incentives, reports Pro Football Talk. Johnson was scheduled to make $8 million for the Titans in 2014 alone before he was released.

Meanwhile, Johnson told the Tennessean that he's looking forward to this opportunity with the Jets.

"I have a fresh start. Now I am going to go out there with a chip on my shoulder," Johnson said. "I know a lot of people are doubting me. I want to prove everybody wrong who has doubts in me."

The Jets have signed running back Chris Johnson to a two-year deal, league sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

Johnson told reporters on Tuesday he was taking free agency one day at a time and added that he had other visits planned, but the Jets must have made him an improved offer to lock up the one-time 2,000-yard running back. 

Johnson has totaled at least 1,400 yards in each of his last four seasons with the Titans since running for 2,006 yards in 2009. He also scored 10 touchdowns in 2013 (four receiving). 

Free agent running back Chris Johnson visited the Jets on Tuesday but left without a deal. The rusher told reporters at a Brooklyn Nets basketball game Tuesday night that "everything went well" but that he's planning to visit other teams. As ESPN reported Tuesday, the Falcons, Bills and Dolphins are reportedly interested in signing Johnson. 

"I'm just taking it one day at a time, taking my time, and whatever decision I make, it will be the best decision," said Johnson.

The Jets reportedly hope to have a decision on Johnson before the draft. 

Free agent running back Chris Johnson will visit the Jets on Tuesday, reports the New York Daily News.

It's been over 10 days since the Titans released Johnson. CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora pegged the Jets as the top candidate to end up signing Johnson all along.

With the Jets, Johnson would work in tandem with Chris Ivory if he signs.

Doug Martin fans should expect the Bucs' third-year running back to stay on the field and in on the touches for the running backs just as much as before he got hurt. ESPN believes Martin will still be "the main ball carrier" for the Buccaneers, even if coach Lovie Smith says his team will use a rotation. Per the report, Mike James and Bobby Rainey will get worked in, but they'll only take enough work to keep Martin fresh compared to when Martin did almost everything with Greg Schiano as head coach. 

Over 22 career games Martin has 507 touches, or 23.05 per game. Knowing Smith's wishes to run the ball, it wouldn't be surprising to see Martin get that kind of work in weeks where the Bucs aren't getting blown out. There's no doubt he remains appealing as a Top 15 Fantasy running back worth a second-round pick. 

Free agent running back Chris Johnson would be a great change of pace to Montee Ball, but the Broncos don't have the money to meet Johnson's contract demands, reports the Denver Post. In addition, the paper can't see Johnson accepting a No. 2 role in the backfield.

The Titans cut Johnson last week.

Former Titans running back Chris Johnson was traveling Tuesday, but not to find a new team. He tweeted that it was for personal reasons.

Johnson, who was cut Friday, has no visits scheduled as of now.