Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson is on his way out after the franchise released him on Friday.
A release of Johnson means no extra draft pick or replacement back for Tennessee, as they were trying to trade the running back all this time but could not come up with a suitor that was truly interested.
The team will simply have to engage in a running back by committee approach next season with both Dexter McCluster and Shonn Greene now on the roster and the potential to add another running back in the draft.
McCluster could be the ultimate triple-threat with experience in punt returning, wide receiving and running. He signed a three-year, $12 million contract to join the Titans back on March 11 after spending his first three seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Though he has just nine career touchdowns, that may be a product of his environment rather than a reflection of his ability. You can't ignore the fact that McCluster has an average of 4.4 yards per carry and 8.7 yards per reception.
Two of his touchdowns came last season on punt returns as well. Under a different system with a more offense-driven team, McCluster could make a real impact.
Shonn Greene just didn't work out with the New York Jets, but he's a solid second-tier back who could be used mostly on first-down carries and short-yardage situations. Greene didn't have much of a chance to showcase his talents last season due to a knee injury that sidelined him for five weeks.
This is his second year of a three-year, $10 million deal, so he will definitely be looking to put up some banner numbers before what could be his final Titans season in 2015.
He only needs 282 yards on the ground to eclipse 4,000 total for his career (899 rushing attempts). He also has 22 touchdowns to his credit and over 500 receiving yards.
The Titans can also fall back on the talents of Jackie Battle, who signed a a one-year, $855,000 extension on March 11. Though Leon Washington hasn't had more than 100 carries in a season since his 2006 campaign with the New York Jets, he could also help the team in certain situations.
Add another high caliber rookie running back to the mix, and this backfield could be really dangerous. This team averaged 118.4 rushing yards per game last season, putting them in the middle of the pack at No. 14 in the league in that category.
Look for that ranking to improve drastically in 2014.
