When the Chiefs released two time Pro Bowl RB Larry Johnson last week, it came as no surprised to many fans and pundits alike, given Johnson’s absurd and irrational behavior over the course of his NFL career. It also wasn’t major news that Johnson breezed through waivers, as his $2.1 million salary likely scared off any team willing to take a chance on the troublesome back.

Now that he’s officially a free agent though, the likelihood of him staying unemployed for long would seem to be significantly diminished, especially in the eyes of teams that are in need of a short yardage, between the hashes kind of runner. Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports brought up several teams currently in the playoff hunt that are in need of such a player the other day, and I have to agree with his assessment, as the Eagles, Giants, and Bengals could all use a player with his ability.

Naturally, this set my mind off on a quest to figure out which, if any team would be the best fit for LJ this season, and why. With that in mind, let’s take it a step at a time and break down several potential destinations along with the odds of Johnson signing there.

1. Cleveland (3-1 odds)

With all the dysfunction currently going on with the Browns, what’s a little more with LJ? Cleveland is in need of a decent back, given Jamal Lewis imminent departure to the old folks home, and as such Johnson would be a fabulous fit for a team that’s hastily spiraling out of control. LJ’s idolization of former Cleveland Hall of Famers like Jim Brown won’t hurt his cause with the fans either.

Pros: They need him and his attutude won’t be anything different than what they have already

Cons: If he averaged 2.7 yards per carry in KC, how well will he do in Cleveland, with a line that’s almost as bad?

2. Philadelphia (5-1 odds)

They’ve already pissed off the animal right’s activists with their signing of Michael Vick, so why not go for two in alienating all the women’s rights crew by bringing LJ to the city of brotherly love? All joking aside, the Eagles would be a decent fit considering Brian Westbrook’s glass like composition and LeSean McCoy’s inability to produce consistently.

Pros: Gives Philly a legit bruiser in the backfield and the short yardage back they’ve been missing for years

Cons: He’s an unneeded distraction at this point in the year and could cause chemistry issues in the locker room

3. New York Giants (10-1 odds)

LJ is a big fan of the glitz and glam, so this match would seem to be made in heaven. That said, the G-Men already have a short yardage guy in RB Brandon Jacobs, so the addition of Johnson doesn’t exactly make sense on the depth chart. Johnson’s unwillingness to block on passing plays could be trouble as well, with Eli Manning already having enough trouble staying upright as it is.

Pros: LJ’s talented enough to break off big gains behind a reasonable O-line, and should fair well in the NY spotlight.

Cons: A lack of versatility and poor attitude won’t go far in Tom Coughlin’s house

Other options

• Cincinnati
• Houston
• Oakland
• Washington
• Seattle

What do you think? Will LJ return to the league this year? Hit it up on the comments…

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