NFL Player News

The Rams are not expected to pursue running back Chris Johnson, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

With Johnson's former coach, Jeff Fisher, now in charge of the Rams, there was some thought Johnson might want to reunite. It's not "impossible" the two sides come together on a deal, but the Rams haven't shown much interest in Johnson thus far. The team is also concerned about how much money Johnson will commmand on the open market. While it will be less than he was set to make with the Titans, the Rams don't want to pay too much for a running back who will split time with Zac Stacy.

After his release by the Titans, running back Chris Johnson issued this statement:

“I’d like to thank all of my teammates, the fans, the staff and the coaches who have supported me throughout my journey with the Titans. I have grown so much as an individual and as a teammate over the past few years, and I am excited about the opportunity to bring my experience and talents to a new organization. I’m looking forward to the next chapter and can’t wait to contribute to my new team.”

The Jets, Bills, Dolphins and Falcons discussed a potential trade with the Titans for running back Chris Johnson, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter. When no trade materialized, Tennessee cut Johnson on Friday.

It's unclear which of those teams are still interested in pursuing Johnson.

Contradicting an earlier report, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram asserts the Cowboys have "no interest" in running back Chris Johnson. Tennessee released Johnson on Friday.

With the release of running back Chris Johnson, the Titans plan a committee approach in 2014, reports The Tennessean. Shonn Greene is "likely to see a big boost in his responsibilities," the report said. "Greene isn't a breakaway threat, but he's proven he can be a workhorse."

Dexter McCluster is expected to get more touches at running back after getting 20 combined carries the past two years in Kansas City. He'll be the primary receiving threat out of the backfield. Jackie Battle is a 6-2, 240-pounder who's see most of his snaps in short-yardage or goal-line situations, the paper said.

The Titans also have Leon Washington and likely will draft a running back, perhaps Auburn's Tre Mason, Arizona's Ka'Deem Carey or Washington's Bishop Sankey, the report said.

The Titans issued this statement upon releasing running back Chris Johnson: “As an organization, we want to thank Chris for his contributions to the Titans. Chris produced many memorable moments, broke franchise records and was durable over his six-year career with our team.

"We have had an open dialogue with Chris’ agent, Joel Segal, over the last few weeks, and we appreciate the patience and professionalism they have shown throughout this process. We made an effort to trade Chris but were unable to do so.

"We wish Chris the best and thank him for the six seasons he spent with us.”

The Titans officially released running back Chris Johnson, saving $6 million in cap room, reports the Tennessean. Johnson has gone over 1,000 yards rushing in each of his six seasons but averaged a career-low 3.9 yards per carry last year.

The Jets, Giants and Cowboys are expected to pursue Johnson, who will turn 29 in September. He'll still count $4 million against the Titans' cap in 2014 but will then be off the books.

Johnson leaves Tennessee as the franchise's No. 3 all-time rusher with 7,965 yards, behind only Eddie George (10,009) and Earl Campbell (8,574). Only Minnesota's Adrian Peterson has rushed for more yards (8,774) over the past six seasons than Johnson.

When asked about the signing of Donald Brown, Chargers general manager Tom Telesco told 1090 The Fan in San Diego on Friday that Brown will "help supplement" the ground game and referred to him as a great player who can do some different things than Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead. Telesco also made clear that Mathews is the team's top running back. 

Telesco said similar statements back in late March to the station. Brown was signed this spring to a three-year deal by Telesco, who helped scout Brown when he was with the Colts in 2009. 

When asked about the signing of Donald Brown and what that means for the future of the Chargers' running backs, general manager Tom Telesco told 1090 The Fan in San Diego on Friday that Brown will "help supplement" the ground game and "play a different role than" Ryan Mathews and Danny Woodhead. He specifically mentioned Mathews as "our main back, our bell cow."

Telesco said basically the same things back in late March to the station. 

Brown was signed this spring to a three-year deal by Telesco, who helped scout Brown when he was with the Colts in 2009. But Mathews established himself as the team's primary back, meeting long-awaited expectations with a 1,255-yard, six-score season with another 189 yards and a score through the air. 

Titans running back Chris Johnson will meet with general manager Ruston Webster, then take a physical Friday, reports NFL Network. Johnson might fail the physical due to his offseason "knee cleanup," but will be fine longterm, the report said.

Tennessee is expected to release Johnson on Friday.