redskins sign larry johnson

[BossHog]

... yeah it's easy to bash LJ...

... yeah he's had a ton of issues away from the field, and hasn't behaved like much of a person...

... but this team needs more players than can be found in a single offseason, and eneds to find some 'good value' where other teams may have overlooked - so IMO, you have to take the odd flyer like this.

This could prove to be a good move. More importantly, it doesn't really have the potential to be much of a detriment... the contract money is very acceptable.

I'm not saying people should be tickled pink, or see it as the second coming of Jesus Christ, but to me, the risk reward factor is acceptable. Hopefully LJ can not only stay out of trouble, but find the form that made him a dominant RB in the NFL.

[skinsfan#33]

Let me as you this?

Why can New England bring in Moss and Corey Dillon (no doubt character guys before the got to the Pats) and do well with them.

It's not so much about how they did in the past, but how they are treated and monitored by their current management.

Let's give Shan and Allen the benefit of the doubt at this point. We need to use our picks for the O-line and possibly at QB.

RB's are a dime a dozen. And with Shanny's blocking techniques most any RB will flurish.

Because the Pats already had three SuperBowl wins when they signed Moss and Dillon.

Yes for Moss no for Dillion. The Pats had Dillion for their last SB win and he was a big part of it (1634 yards and 12 TDs). Moss hasn't had as many off field problems as LJ has.

It still baffles me why people Bring up Corey Dillion WRT to being a bad apple. There is absolutely nothing that I can remember that he did that he should have ever had a label as a problem player. No off field issues, no locker room issues; the only thing he ever did way once or twice complain that he wanted to get out of Cinncy - CAN YOU BLAME HIM! That wasn't done during the season, he never threaten to hold out, he never tried to force a trade. He caused WAY LESS locker room issues than CP has (same can be said for R. Moss).

Back on topic, I don't like the LJ signing. He is a bad dude and not a good locker room guy, and he doesn't have much left in the tank, but...

He signed a contract that makes him cut-able with very little thought or cap implications! 3 years / $3.5M! If he plays well and earns all of his incentives he could earn $12M. He could have something left and his presence should motivate CP to take the off season seriously. Just because I think LJ is done, doesn't mean CP will. If they use LJ just to push CP to get in better shape and be better prepared for the season, then the signing was worth it.

If LJ steps out of line, they can cut him - no harm no fowl!

[ChrisHanburger]

... yeah it's easy to bash LJ...

... yeah he's had a ton of issues away from the field, and hasn't behaved like much of a person...

... but this team needs more players than can be found in a single offseason, and eneds to find some 'good value' where other teams may have overlooked - so IMO, you have to take the odd flyer like this.

This could prove to be a good move. More importantly, it doesn't really have the potential to be much of a detriment... the contract money is very acceptable.

I'm not saying people should be tickled pink, or see it as the second coming of Jesus Christ, but to me, the risk reward factor is acceptable. Hopefully LJ can not only stay out of trouble, but find the form that made him a dominant RB in the NFL.

That's pretty much where I stand too. I'm selfishly ready to look at the upside, be excited about getting a bruiser in the backfield and a nudge for Portis to work harder, and I'll wait to wring my hands and cluck my tongue if he acts up as a Redskin. Moss and Dillon are excellent examples of players getting into a new environment and being able to "clean the slate". There's a decent chance he can straighten up in DC. (coming "home" could go either way on aiding that) And if he doesn't, he can be dropped like a hot potato with a minimal long term effect.

[Countertrey]

Comparing the behavior of a pair of primadonnas (Moss and Dillon) to the antisocial behaviors and racist beliefs of this character is a non-starter. In other words, having a "me first" attitude is not quite the same as physically abusing women on multiple occasions, and declaring that you will never play for a white coach. (note to LJ... check Shanahans most recent publicity pic). While I suspect that the last comment was actually an attempt to force a trade, and not actually his feeling, even then, it still reveals a significant lack of maturity and judgment in an adult.

Be that as it may, this IS Shanahan's team, and character reclaimation projects are within the scope of his bag of tricks, by history. I had fully expected Shanahan to find some social misfit to attempt to fix. I was just hoping that it would be someone else...


I don't have high hopes. I would love for Larry to prove me wrong.

[UK Skins Fan]

You guys need to stop worrying.

Now that's funny - what the hell else do you expect me to do all day?!

[Chris Luva Luva]

I don't have high hopes. I would love for Larry to prove me wrong.

Let's just see how it plays out, nobody want's to be right or wrong... (well most of us) We just want the team to become better and if his signing aides in that mission, great. If it becomes a detriment, we have coaches who have shown they aren't going to be pushed over.

There's nothing that's going to hurt for long if it proves to be a thorn.

[CanesSkins26]

None of you are going to care about his past grievances if he's out there trucking defenders over.

Unfortunately it's 2010, not 2006, which was LJ's last big season.

[Wahoo McDaniels]

Let me as you this?

Why can New England bring in Moss and Corey Dillon (no doubt character guys before the got to the Pats) and do well with them.

It's not so much about how they did in the past, but how they are treated and monitored by their current management.

Let's give Shan and Allen the benefit of the doubt at this point. We need to use our picks for the O-line and possibly at QB.

RB's are a dime a dozen. And with Shanny's blocking techniques most any RB will flurish.

Because the Pats already had three SuperBowl wins when they signed Moss and Dillon.

Yes for Moss no for Dillion. The Pats had Dillion for their last SB win and he was a big part of it (1634 yards and 12 TDs). Moss hasn't had as many off field problems as LJ has.

It still baffles me why people Bring up Corey Dillion WRT to being a bad apple. There is absolutely nothing that I can remember that he did that he should have ever had a label as a problem player. No off field issues, no locker room issues; the only thing he ever did way once or twice complain that he wanted to get out of Cinncy - CAN YOU BLAME HIM! That wasn't done during the season, he never threaten to hold out, he never tried to force a trade. He caused WAY LESS locker room issues than CP has (same can be said for R. Moss).

Back on topic, I don't like the LJ signing. He is a bad dude and not a good locker room guy, and he doesn't have much left in the tank, but...

He signed a contract that makes him cut-able with very little thought or cap implications! 3 years / $3.5M! If he plays well and earns all of his incentives he could earn $12M. He could have something left and his presence should motivate CP to take the off season seriously. Just because I think LJ is done, doesn't mean CP will. If they use LJ just to push CP to get in better shape and be better prepared for the season, then the signing was worth it.

If LJ steps out of line, they can cut him - no harm no fowl!

I was going to second the opinion on Corey Dillon. Corey is not a bad dude, in fact he is quite the opposite. I played pick-up basketball with him for an entire season in Seattle back in 1996 and he was one of the more down-to-earth athletes I have met. Obviously, this was before his first mini-camp, so maybe the fame went to his head, but I don't think it is in his nature to act like LJ. He had the one DUI in 98, but that was it.

[Wahoo McDaniels]

Let me as you this?

Why can New England bring in Moss and Corey Dillon (no doubt character guys before the got to the Pats) and do well with them.

It's not so much about how they did in the past, but how they are treated and monitored by their current management.

Let's give Shan and Allen the benefit of the doubt at this point. We need to use our picks for the O-line and possibly at QB.

RB's are a dime a dozen. And with Shanny's blocking techniques most any RB will flurish.

Because the Pats already had three SuperBowl wins when they signed Moss and Dillon.

Yes for Moss no for Dillion. The Pats had Dillion for their last SB win and he was a big part of it (1634 yards and 12 TDs). Moss hasn't had as many off field problems as LJ has.

It still baffles me why people Bring up Corey Dillion WRT to being a bad apple. There is absolutely nothing that I can remember that he did that he should have ever had a label as a problem player. No off field issues, no locker room issues; the only thing he ever did way once or twice complain that he wanted to get out of Cinncy - CAN YOU BLAME HIM! That wasn't done during the season, he never threaten to hold out, he never tried to force a trade. He caused WAY LESS locker room issues than CP has (same can be said for R. Moss).

Back on topic, I don't like the LJ signing. He is a bad dude and not a good locker room guy, and he doesn't have much left in the tank, but...

He signed a contract that makes him cut-able with very little thought or cap implications! 3 years / $3.5M! If he plays well and earns all of his incentives he could earn $12M. He could have something left and his presence should motivate CP to take the off season seriously. Just because I think LJ is done, doesn't mean CP will. If they use LJ just to push CP to get in better shape and be better prepared for the season, then the signing was worth it.

If LJ steps out of line, they can cut him - no harm no fowl!

I was going to second the opinion on Corey Dillon. Corey is not a bad dude, in fact he is quite the opposite. I played pick-up basketball with him for an entire season in Seattle back in 1996 and he was one of the more down-to-earth athletes I have met. Obviously, this was before his first mini-camp, so maybe the fame went to his head, but I don't think it is in his nature to act like LJ. He had the one DUI in 98, but that was it.

[Chris Luva Luva]

None of you are going to care about his past grievances if he's out there trucking defenders over.

Unfortunately it's 2010, not 2006, which was LJ's last big season.

Well, just continue to be salty and cry over stuff that has yet to occur.

[brad7686]

I hope this doesn't mean they won't draft Jahvid Best if he's sitting there on a platter at 37.

Also, if you consider yards per carry, johnson was great in 2008 and also great once he got to the bengals last year. Its not like he hasn't done ANYTHING since 06.

[redskins14ru]

I don't have high hopes. I would love for Larry to prove me wrong.

Let's just see how it plays out, nobody want's to be right or wrong... (well most of us) We just want the team to become better and if his signing aides in that mission, great. If it becomes a detriment, we have coaches who have shown they aren't going to be pushed over.

There's nothing that's going to hurt for long if it proves to be a thorn.

Clinton Portis is cleared for football activities. Larry Johnsons signing comes as no surprise. Shanahan now has 2 proven backs. I do no think either of the two backs will ride pine. My bet is Portis will start. This does not close the door on the draft, there are several young backs with young legs avaliable. Shananon will depend an teamwork, the current backs seem to have something in common other than there yards per down or ability to accel at their positions. OVERALL GREAT MOVE.... assuming of coarse the competition stays healthy between PORTIS and JOHNSON. All anyone needs is a superbowl ring.

[chiefhog44]

yup thats it, I'm more concerned about a less-high-profile criminal than probably about 50NFL players than I am about finishing 4-12. My vote is to back Shanahan and not act like a know it all. How many times did we get shut down on 3rd and 1 or 4th and 1? With Portis?

Screw it, it's so important to have flawless character on the team that we should draft the entire Harvard Football squad. No on will laugh at the Redskins in the NFC East.

We all knew the criticism would start immediately. God himself couldn't get a 60% approval rating in this city.

So the only options you know are 1) draft all Harvard players 2) sign players like LJ ???

(who ever said Harvard players would all be of good character anyway?)

I think it is obvious that everything will be fine IF LJ keeps his nose clean and plays hard. Hell, my bills will be fine too if someone drops a few hundred thousand in cash on my door step. It's all good

I like to LIKE the players I intend to root for. Call me silly or nostalgic. When the Skins score a TD, I like to think they are good guys, playing together with heart. Right now, knowing what I do about LJ, it'll be hard to root for him. I don't expect the Skins players to flawless. Just not woman beaters who have screwed up 5-6 times in that many NFL years. We can all hope he turns his life around this time.

Hell, I like to like the owner of the team I root for...Too late

[chiefhog44]

Well, he's a skin now. I'd like to welcome him with open arms, and give him a fresh start. Here's to hoping that you turn it around Larry. I'm rooting for you...with an extremely short leash.

[CanesSkins26]

Clinton Portis is cleared for football activities. Larry Johnsons signing comes as no surprise. Shanahan now has 2 OVER-THE-HILL backs.

Fixed it for you.

[riggofan]

Let's just see how it plays out, nobody want's to be right or wrong... (well most of us) We just want the team to become better and if his signing aides in that mission, great.

I'm with you man. LJ doesn't have to come in here and be a 1500 yard back. If he can pitch in and help the team as a backup running back, I'll be satisfied.

And am I wrong or did he not just do that for the Bengals last year backing up Benson?

[1niksder]

None of you are going to care about his past grievances if he's out there trucking defenders over.

Unfortunately it's 2010, not 2006, which was LJ's last big season.

Well, just continue to be salty and cry over stuff that has yet to occur.

But thing have occurred... like Johnson has put up more yards since 2006 than CP over the same time frame. What hasn't happened is Johnson hasn't trashed his coaches, QB, offensive line, and lead blocker over the last season, while not playing half the season because of a really bad headache.
Portis has had the run of the organization from the day he signed and no one has been signed to push him ever.... Times are a changing, you can't fall back on 1500+ yard seasons when a guy playing the same spot has a couple of 1700+ yard seasons under his belt also

[PulpExposure]

I hope this doesn't mean they won't draft Jahvid Best if he's sitting there on a platter at 37.

The one thing with Best that really concerns me is that he couldn't stay healthy in college. It's not like he's going to get hit less often, or with less force, in the NFL...

On the positive side, if we draft him, I'm sure he'll be ecstatic to be reunited with Kevin Barnes.

Also, if you consider yards per carry, johnson was great in 2008 and also great once he got to the bengals last year. Its not like he hasn't done ANYTHING since 06.

With what we're used to, it is kind of sad that 4.5 and 4.4 could be justified as being labeled "great" when it's only in reality good. But it's certainly "great" for a Redskin RB...

[CanesSkins26]

But thing have occurred... like Johnson has put up more yards since 2006 than CP over the same time frame.

He's also assaulted and spit on more women than CP over the same time frame. He's also been arrested more times, offended more fans, been suspended by his team and the NFL more times, and been released more often than CP. You can certainly question some of the football-related things that CP has done, but unlike LJ, CP isn't a racist, anti-social criminal that abuses women.

[redskins14ru]

How many " i wanna get a ring" comments have either of the two made or for that matter how many have been made league wide. ...
Over the hill or not Portis and Johnson will be fine, I am not certian if either one will commit what it takes to show us if their careers are are coming to an end. Now the question remains what will be done about it??? Shanahan clearly has the talent in the back field, no question...

[yupchagee]

I hope this doesn't mean they won't draft Jahvid Best if he's sitting there on a platter at 37.

The one thing with Best that really concerns me is that he couldn't stay healthy in college. It's not like he's going to get hit less often, or with less force, in the NFL...

On the positive side, if we draft him, I'm sure he'll be ecstatic to be reunited with Kevin Barnes.

Also, if you consider yards per carry, johnson was great in 2008 and also great once he got to the bengals last year. Its not like he hasn't done ANYTHING since 06.

With what we're used to, it is kind of sad that 4.5 and 4.4 could be justified as being labeled "great" when it's only in reality good. But it's certainly "great" for a Redskin RB...

If he can't take a hit from a 188# CB, what will happen when he runs into a 350# NT?

[brad7686]

I hope this doesn't mean they won't draft Jahvid Best if he's sitting there on a platter at 37.

The one thing with Best that really concerns me is that he couldn't stay healthy in college. It's not like he's going to get hit less often, or with less force, in the NFL...

On the positive side, if we draft him, I'm sure he'll be ecstatic to be reunited with Kevin Barnes.

Also, if you consider yards per carry, johnson was great in 2008 and also great once he got to the bengals last year. Its not like he hasn't done ANYTHING since 06.

With what we're used to, it is kind of sad that 4.5 and 4.4 could be justified as being labeled "great" when it's only in reality good. But it's certainly "great" for a Redskin RB...

Well he certainly isn't the most durable back, but he stayed healthy last year until he very awkwardly fell on his head, which is hard to fault him for. He is a gamble but is fast as hell and tough for his size.

[crazyhorse1]

I hope this doesn't mean they won't draft Jahvid Best if he's sitting there on a platter at 37.

Also, if you consider yards per carry, johnson was great in 2008 and also great once he got to the bengals last year. Its not like he hasn't done ANYTHING since 06.

Johnson's 4.4 average gain last year tells me he still has gas in his tank. I notice that 4.4 is also his career average gain. I think he's a good pickup and worth the risk since he's kept his nose clean for a while now. Besides that, we're desperate.

[crazyhorse1]

I don't have high hopes. I would love for Larry to prove me wrong.

Let's just see how it plays out, nobody want's to be right or wrong... (well most of us) We just want the team to become better and if his signing aides in that mission, great. If it becomes a detriment, we have coaches who have shown they aren't going to be pushed over.

There's nothing that's going to hurt for long if it proves to be a thorn.

Shanahan's a push over. He not only over-estimates players he falls in love with, he also rescues guys like Larry Johnson. I wish you guys would stop dreaming up wonderful things to believe about Shanahan. It make me want to hurl. If I had to have heroes I'd go on down to the local high school and hang out with teachers.

[crazyhorse1]

I don't have high hopes. I would love for Larry to prove me wrong.

Let's just see how it plays out, nobody want's to be right or wrong... (well most of us) We just want the team to become better and if his signing aides in that mission, great. If it becomes a detriment, we have coaches who have shown they aren't going to be pushed over.

There's nothing that's going to hurt for long if it proves to be a thorn.

Clinton Portis is cleared for football activities. Larry Johnsons signing comes as no surprise. Shanahan now has 2 proven backs. I do no think either of the two backs will ride pine. My bet is Portis will start. This does not close the door on the draft, there are several young backs with young legs avaliable. Shananon will depend an teamwork, the current backs seem to have something in common other than there yards per down or ability to accel at their positions. OVERALL GREAT MOVE.... assuming of coarse the competition stays healthy between PORTIS and JOHNSON. All anyone needs is a superbowl ring.

What a novel idea. Shanahan is going to depend on teamwork. What a brilliant guy. Why haven't the other NFL coach thought of that. Here's an idea. They could make up a big book that shows what each and every player is supposed to do on every play.