The Philadelphia Eagles are hoping running back Kerryon Johnson still has juice left in his 23-year-old tank. Moreover, he's not in Philly to be some random guy on the backend of the roster.
Once thought to be one of the NFL's next “it” running back, Kerryon Johnson was released by the Detroit Lions following multiple injuries that were clearly derailing his promising career, but then the Eagles scooped him up on the waiver wire.
And now? Dude is ready to compete.
Article Continues Below“My expectation is to compete. I don't think having a crowded room full of talented guys is ever an issue,” Eagles talent Johnson said, via the Philly Inquirer. “It's going to make every single player better. … You've got three very proven guys in this league. You've got three very young guys coming in hungry, and this is all going to make us all better.”
A second round pick coming out of college, it can't be stressed harshly enough just how good Kerryon Johnson was prior to injuries. He averaged an insane 5.4 yards per carry as a rookie. Unfortunately, it was his only being capable of playing 18 games over two seasons that lead to him being let go by the Lions.
Nonetheless, the Eagles have several players at the running back spot entering camp. They don't need-need Johnson to be the guy of old (even though, again, he's only 23!). Even if he only shows flashes of brilliance, he will make a good complimentary back for a young Philly roster looking to move into a new era.