The Lions have been looking for some help at running back, and today they found it with the signing of former Bengals back Rudi Johnson. MLive.com is reporting it’s a one-year deal that won’t become official till Tuesday as the deal was done after the League offices closed at 4pm.
Johnson was cut on Saturday by the Bengals, as the team will reportedly go with Chris Perry as their starter. Johnson last season in 11 games ran for 497 yards with three TD’s. He was a 1,000+ yard rusher for three seasons before last year. MLive reports that Johnson will be the number two back, at least at the start, behind rookie Kevin Smith. He’ll take the place of Tatum Bell, who told a Denver TV station that he’s going to be released.
“I just had a chance to watch him in some drills (during a workout) and he’s impressive,” coach Rod Marinelli said. “He’s a big, thick guy who has great feet. I played against him over the years so I know he’s a very physical back. He’s a guy with a lot of talent and a lot of experience.”