Chris Johnson visits with Jets

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Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Free-agent running back Chris Johnson visited the New York Jets on Tuesday.

Johnson spent several hours at the Jets' facility, took a physical and capped the day by attending the New York Knicks-Brooklyn Nets game in Brooklyn. The crowd cheered when his face appeared on the JumboTron.

Johnson, speaking to a small group of reporters at the game, said "everything went well" on his visit. He said he's not ready to make a decision, indicating he has other visits planned.

"I'm just taking it one day at a time, taking my time, and whatever decision I make, it will be the best decision," he said, claiming has no time frame.

Johnson said New York is a "fun city," adding that "of course" the Jets are an attractive team. But he declined to get into specifics.

"You know, I'm just taking it one day at a time, that's all I'm going to say," he said.

Ideally, the Jets would like to get a deal wrapped up by Monday, the start of the offseason program, but fiscally conservative general manager John Idzik won't overpay in a sluggish running-back market.

Tuesday's meeting marks Johnson's first visit since being cut by the Tennessee Titans on April 4.

Johnson, 29, is a three-time Pro Bowler who would add a legitimate speed threat to a Jets backfield that features the 222-pound Chris Ivory, who rushed for a career-high 833 yards last season.

The Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons also have expressed interest in Johnson, sources told ESPN.

Johnson was one of the league's most dynamic players early in his career. He ran for 2,006 yards in 2009 and is one of only six players to rush for at least 1,000 yards in his first six seasons, along with Barry Sanders, Curtis Martin, LaDainian Tomlinson, Eric Dickerson and Corey Dillon.

He was the 24th selection in the 2008 draft out of East Carolina.

After three seasons, when he ranked as one of the league's best values, Johnson sold himself to the Titans as a "playmaker" who shouldn't be constrained by the values placed on running backs. Following a training camp holdout in 2011, Johnson got a four-year, $54 million contract from Tennessee.

Information from ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, ESPN.com Jets reporter Rich Cimini and ESPNNewYork.com's Ian Begley was used in this report.

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