NFL Notes: Chris Johnson, Bears, Browns, Jets, Steelers

Chris Johnson

Cardinals impending free agent RB Chris Johnson said he will explore his options on the open market and that he wants to sign somewhere he can start.

“I think I want to go out there and see what options I have first,” Johnson said, via Alex Marvez of Sporting News. “I feel at this point in my career if it’s not a situation where a team wants to bring me in to be a starter, I definitely need to be somewhere where I have a role.”

Johnson also indicated that there is mutual interest between him and the Cardinals. However, he did say that he’s hoping to find a starting role next season.

“I need to be involved. At this point in my career, I don’t want to sit on the sideline. I want to get in the game,” said Johnson.

Bears

• According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Bears G Kyle Long has opted against surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder
• Instead, Long will continue focusing on rehabbing from reconstructive surgery he had on his right ankle back in November.

Browns

• According to Mary Kay Cabot, the Browns will likely meet with WR Terrelle Pryor‘s representation at the NFL Combine this week regarding a long-term extension with the team. Cabot reported yesterday that the team has no plans using the franchise tag on Pryor but have “every intention” of getting a deal in place.
• Regarding QB Robert Griffin III‘s status with the team, Cabot says he is essentially in a “holding pattern” until Cleveland determines if they can trade for Patriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo, Bills QB Tyrod Taylor, Bengals QB A.J. McCarron, or sign impending free agent Mike Glennon.

Jets

• The Jets have hired former DT La’Roi Glover as an assistant defensive line coach. (Adam Caplan)
• Joel Corry of CBS Sports could see the Jets pursuing Texans impending free agent CB A.J. Bouye now that they must address the cornerback position after releasing CB Darrelle Revis.
• Corry mentions that the team also has a need at safety and names Cardinals S Tony Jefferson as a free agent option, given his previous experience with HC Todd Bowles.
• Corry also names Packers impending free agent OLB Nick Perry as a player the Jets could pursue to address their lack of a pass rush.
• According to Tony Pauline of Draft Analyst, Jets G Brian Winters‘ four-year, $7.25 million annual extension will help “set the market” for the rest of the guards in free agency.

Steelers

• Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes that the Steelers must target one or two receivers this offseason to take pressure off WR Antonio Brown.
• Bouchette goes on to say that the Steelers have “no one they can count on” after slot WR Eli Rogers when speaking of Markus Wheaton, Sammie Coates, and Martavis Bryant.
• According to Bouchette, there is “little interest” in re-signing Wheaton and the staff does not have confidence in Coates moving forward, who underwent groin surgery and admitted to requiring surgery on his hand and knee.
• As for Bryant, Steelers president Art Rooney II said recently that he is not a player that you can count on and that he still has “a ways to go” before gaining the staff’s trust: “I’m not sure at this point you can use the words, ‘count on him.’ … Obviously, he has a tremendous amount of talent and potential. To the extent that we can have him on the team and have him bring his talent to its fullest potential would be great, but we got a ways to go before any of us understand where that is.”
• Bouchette believes the Steelers must address the receiver position through the NFL Draft and mentions that the team has had a lot of success when selecting receivers past the third round.