Will Larry Johnson still have an impact in the NFL in 2009?  Several NFL teams acknowledged they would consider acquiring the former Chiefs running back, who was cut on Monday after a tumultuous end to his seven-year career in Kansas City. Johnson, a two-time Pro Bowler who rushed for a combined 3,639 yards in 2005-06, had collected just 358 yards on the ground in seven games this season.  Does he have talent left? Johnson will be 30 on Nov. 19, and hasn't rushed for more than 900 yards since 2006. His former coach, Dick Vermeil, said of Johnson to the Kansas City Star on Monday: "He is what he is. He's a complex guy to work with."  Any team can place a waiver claim on Johnson and pay the balance of his salary. But if he clears waivers, he'll be eligible to sign with any club.  Here's a synopsis of teams that have been connected to Johnson after his release:  -- Steelers: ESPN reported that Johnson would like to join the Steelers, the team the AP reported he had hoped would draft him in 2003. But Pittsburgh has been relying on second-year player Rashard Mendenhall as starter recently, with Willie Parker and Mewelde Moore behind him.  -- Redskins: Head coach Jim Zorn wouldn't rule out pursuing Johnson on Monday. The Redskins lost Clinton Portis to a concussion on Sunday, and his status for next week is in doubt. The team signed veteran Shaun Alexander as insurance last season. Asked specifically about Johnson, Zorn said, "I need to have a longer conversation than I've had to make a decision."  -- Seahawks: They cut veteran Edgerrin James last week, after the veteran rushed for just 125 yards in seven games for them. Leading rusher Julius Jones (382 yards) hasn't been explosive. But head coach Jim Mora expressed doubt that Seattle would make a bid for Johnson. "No," he said. "Right now, we'll just stick with what we've got."  -- Patriots: Bill Belichick's team has lost RBs Sammy Morris and Fred Taylor to injury for significant chunks of the season. But Belichick, in a radio appearance on Monday, said the team would be unlikely to chase Johnson. "I would doubt it," he said, via the Boston Globe.  -- Bears: Head coach Lovie Smith acknowledged on Monday that Chicago would consider Johnson. The Bears have Matt Forte as their lead rusher, but lack quality depth behind him. "Any player that's available, we look at," Smith told reporters. "That's been our standard policy throughout. That'll be the case with Larry."  -- Texans: Starter Steve Slaton was benched for veteran Ryan Moats last week, and the Texans have the sort of instability at tailback where Johnson could come in and challenge for the starting job. Head coach Gary Kubiak acknowledged on Monday that Houston would consider Johnson. "When a name like that comes on the free agent market like today, we'll obviously go back and take a look at him just like any other player," Kubiak told reporters. "Obviously, he's been a good player in this league and I'm sure he'll get a lot of interest from a lot of people."  -- Sean LeahyHat tip: AP
Where will Larry Johnson land? Some teams who might consider former Chiefs RB - The Huddle: Football News from the NFL - USATODAY.com