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New York Jets decline contract option on Chris Johnson

To the surprise of no one, the New York Jets' new brass will make some changes to a flawed offensive roster.

Gang Green declined the contract option for running back Chris Johnson on Saturday, the team announced. The Jets did, however, exercise the options on linebackers Calvin Pace and Jason Babin.

The Jets had until Feb. 16 to decide on a $500,000 option bonus, part of the two-year, $8 million contract Johnson signed last year. 

Johnson was arrested in January on weapons charges, but the decision to move on from the former 2,000-yard back is more about his lack of on-field production.

A source previously told Kristian Dyer of Metro New York that "it's a matter of his production on the field along with the arrest matter."

Although they aren't pressed against the salary cap, the Jets saved $3.5 million by cutting Johnson; that amount of money makes moving on a no-brainer.

Johnson had just one 100-yard game last season and scored a single touchdown. His production has fallen precipitously as he no longer possesses the tackle-breaking skills to be a workhorse 1,000-yard back.

If Gang Green has any designs on reuniting offensive coordinator Chan Gailey and running back C.J. Spiller, breaking up with CJ2K was the first move.

The latest Around The NFL Podcast welcomes Malcolm Butler to the show and plays a free agency edition of "Who Do You Trust?" Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.

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