It has been a tough season for Arizona Cardinal running back David Johnson. He began the season having a bit of a down year, especially as a runner. Then he got hurt. Then he lost his starting job and playing time.
Now he is a backup to Kenyan Drake and his role in the future seems in question, even though he has a long-term deal with the team.
A common theme for Johnson on social media this year has been proving people wrong or staying strong despite having a number of doubters.
He had another such post Tuesday.
“Surrounded by enemies, I know they praying for my down fall. They really want to see the end of me, know I won’t fold imma stand tall!” pic.twitter.com/alcPFUKGEV
— David Johnson (@DavidJohnson31) December 11, 2019
What makes this post interesting is not the post itself but one of the replies.
Kansas City Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu, a former Cardinals teammate, replies, telling him to go to Kansas City, presumably telling him to join him on the Chiefs.
Come to KC
— Tyrann Mathieu (@Mathieu_Era) December 11, 2019
Johnson is still under contract with the team after this season so the only way for him to join the Chiefs would be via trade or if the Cardinals cut him in the offseason and then he signed with them. However, cutting him would create more than $16 million in dead money.
Mathieu left the Cardinals after the team cut him. He has hard feelings because of how things went down.
Many have speculated that Johnson’s post is related to what is happening within the Cardinals organization and how there are those perhaps among the coaches or in the front office that no longer believe in him. Others believe it is in reference to the fans who have turned on him since his production declined.
If it is something related to the team, it should raise concerns. But as much as Mathieu might want Johnson on the Chiefs, it isn’t likely to happen. Of course, if the Cardinals managed to trade Johnson and get something in exchange, it is something they probably should consider, especially if Kliff Kingsbury doesn’t believe he is good enough to be a featured back in his offense.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
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