It's official, veteran running back Chris Johnson is a Cardinal. The signing is a negative for the value of Andre Ellington and for that matter Johnson himself (better than being unemployed, worse than being signed to start), but who knows? Things could work out nicely at some point.
Ellington says he's all for the move, bringing in players to help the team win. Even if that player is likely to cut into his playing time, of course, making him a slightly less appealing fantasy pick.
Ellington's value falls, although maybe not as much as you might think. He'll still probably get at least half the carries, and he'll still be a big part of the passing game in a pass-first offense. And it's fair to wonder how many situations Johnson, who was pretty mediocre with the Jets last year, will really push him off the field.
Johnson's not the player he used to be, so it isn't automatic he'll get even half the carries or goal-line chances. The Cardinals want to win, not make Johnson happy. Ellington is a better running back at this point.
Ellington was always going to share work with somebody -- rookie David Johnson, or some nobody like Marion Grice, Kerwynn Williams or Stepfan Taylor. Now it will be Johnson, and those other backs have no value.
Johnson himself really can't be used (this won't be a great rushing offense), but what if Ellington gets hurt? (As many expect.) Then he becomes a viable starting running back.
Ellington will probably fall some in the rankings that come out Thursday, but at the time of the Sunday product, it was considered very likely that Johnson would sign with the Cardinals. So he probably won't slip too far.
Drafting Ellington (in PPR), protecting the pick with Johnson much later on. There are worse approaches to the running back position in fantasy leagues.
--Andy Richardson
