Dolphins Sign Larry Johnson

Added on Aug 23, 2011 by Scott in

NFL

The Miami Dolphins revamped backfield added another intriguing name to the mix today when they signed former rushing champ Larry Johnson. The 31-year-old has been on the street since being released by the Redskins in September 2010. This marks Johnson’s fourth team in three years. He’s seen action in just 16 games during that span.

Miami drafted Kansas State star Daniel Thomas in April and traded for Reggie Bush in late July to inject some youth and speed to their running backs corps. Both Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams, who shared running duties since 2007, left via free agency. Brown inked a deal with Philadelphia; Williams took his talents to Baltimore.

At this point, Johnson’s role with the Dolphins is unclear. Head coach Tony Sparano might want to see if he has anything left in the tank, or he could be looking for a veteran presence and short-yardage specialist. Johnson last scored a touchdown in 2008.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Johnson amassed over 3500 yards on the ground and netted 40 total touchdowns in 2005 and 2006 while with the Chiefs. His career was marred by multiple arrests for assaults against women from 2003-2008. He sealed his fate in the middle of the 2009 season when he criticized coach Todd Haley and used gay slurs on Twitter. He was suspended, then eventually waived. The Bengals signed him for the remainder of the season, but he received only 46 carries in seven games.

Like most big backs, once they hit the wall they’re pretty much finished. Johnson was never the same after toting the ball an NFL record 416 times in 2006. Nagging injuries and attitude problems have followed him ever since. Running backs over 30 aren’t normally sound investments, so expecting him to have an impact or make Miami’s final roster is a longshot.

The Dolphins open their season September 12th at home on Monday Night Football against the Patriots.

Source: NFL.com