Pete Carroll is known for giving maligned players a chance to earn their keep. But even after signing troubled superstars Braylon Edwards and Terrell Owens this offseason, the Seahawks head coach seems opposed to any such union with recently released wideout Chad Johnson.
Johnson, a six-time Pro Bowler, has been released twice in the past three months, most recently after being arrested on domestic violence charges this past weekend in Miami. Dolphins coach Joe Philbin explained that the arrest wasn't the sole reason for Johnson's release though, even saying that the pairing "wasn't a good fit."
That voice of concern may have been a factor in Carroll's decision to avoid the troublesome Johnson, as he explained his lack of interest in the receiver during an interview on ESPN's NFL 32.
"No, I think we're pretty well settled with what we're doing here," Carroll said of potentially adding Johnson. "That's not going to happen here. No."
That very direct response is obviously a sign that Johnson has once again taken on the role of chemistry malcontent in the minds of NFL teams. Then again, while Johnson seems to be somewhat blackballed for his actions, it also may simply be the fact that Carroll is satisfied with his current group of receivers.
"Braylon Edwards has played great for us in practice, and he did a beautiful job in the game, so he's starting to make an impact," Carroll said. "And then we thought Terrell might have a chance to make an impact as well, and we worked him out, and he was phenomenal. He's right in the middle of everything, practicing hard, competing every day."
So while Johnson's six-week marriage seems to be finito, it appears that his playing career may also be all but over. Carroll's definitely not alone in his decision to stay away from Johnson, but unless the former star receiver can prove a significant change in the near future he'll likely be headed for a permanent place on the unemployment line.
