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A week ago, I tried to squash the idea that Chris Johnson might be joining the Atlanta Falcons via trade. Now that the rumors are once again cropping up with even more vigor, I figured it was time to address it again.
This all began yesterday when Jim Wyatt, a very reliable Titans beat writer, Tweeted out the following prediction:
A lot of running backs starting to find landing places. My bet on where #Titans RB Chris Johnson eventually ends up: #Falcons
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 28, 2014
This is just a prediction, not a report, but inevitably the stories that followed cast it as genuine interest in Chris Johnson. What you'll notice again and again as you read these stories is that none of them are saying the Falcons have any connection to Johnson. They just think he's a logical fit in the minds of many outlets. To wit:
1. Atlanta Falcons: Even with coach Mike Smith's recent vote of confidence in Steven Jackson, the Falcons could use an influx of speed in the backfield. The Tennesseans's Jim Wyatt, who has covered Johnson for over six years in Nashville, is placing his money on Atlanta as Johnson's next NFL city.
According to Jim Wyatt of the Tennessean, who is as dialed in on the Titans organization as anyone in the business, the Atlanta Falcons are the favorite to land Johnson if the Titans ultimately move him.
The bottom line here is that there is no reason to believe the Falcons are any more "in" on Johnson than they were a week ago. If he's released I'm sure the team will have internal discussions about adding him, but he's older, won't be dirt cheap and isn't necessarily an upgrade as a feature back. With all of that in mind and knowing the Falcons have Steven Jackson and Jacquizz Rodgers already, I just don't see the fit, nor do I expect this to happen. I think this is a classic case of a respected reporter trying to fit pieces together and fueling a lot of rampant speculation.
Do you agree?