Like it or not, Chris Johnson has new company in the Tennessee Titans' backfield.
NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported that running back Shonn Greene has agreed to a three-year, $10 million deal with the Titans on Wednesday. Surprisingly, the contract includes nearly $5 million in guaranteed money.
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ESPN first reported the contract numbers.
Greene played the first four years of his NFL career with the New York Jets, where he was the team's leading rusher the past two seasons. A between-the-tackles back often derided for his lack of explosion, Greene finished last season with 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns on 276 carries.
The Jets expressed no interest in retaining Greene, who is not a good fit in Marty Mornhenwig's new West Coast offense.
As Gregg Rosenthal pointed out earlier, a theme has developed in Tennessee's free agency strategy. The team previously signed Andy Levitre, the best run-blocking guard in free agency, and Delanie Walker, the best run-blocking tight end. Now Greene, who has a straight-ahead style that gives Tennessee's rushing attack another look, although he admitted Wednesday that Johnson is the Titans' lead back.
"I think he's a phenomenal player," Greene said, via The Associated Press. "He's very explosive, very talented. He can take off whenever. Just with our different styles, we can keep defenses on their toes. You have to prepare with him with his speed and getting to the outside, and then coming with me and the power and the downhill stuff. I think it just gives defenses a lot to worry about."
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The Titans likely envision a "thunder and lightning" approach in their backfield. It remains to be seen how Johnson reacts to this signing. He told Around The League last month he wouldn't be happy if Tennessee went to a two-back system.
Now, that seems to be exactly what the Titans have in mind.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
