Bengals Bring In Larry Johnson for His Second, and Final, Shot at the NFL

Larry Johnson found himself a new home, Cincinnati.

Yes, the home for many players who need a second chance after going through some rough times during their career. Johnson enters Cincinnati making many million dollars less then what he got in Kansas City, signing a one-year deal at the leagues minimum pay. 

Johnson comes into Cincinnati to provide depth behind starting running back Cedric Benson, who has had himself a breakout year, after spending three unsuccessful seasons with the Chicago Bears. 

Whether Johnson gets much playing time or not, this is giving a statement to all 32 teams if he is really dedicated to playing in the NFL. We all know he has the talent, after putting up back-to-back 1,700 yard season in 2005 and 2006.

If Johnson keeps his mouth shut and doesn't cause any problems for the rest of the season, I think he'll get another shot with another team, and go back to putting up big numbers like he did in 2005 and 2006.

Cedric Benson is coming off Sunday's big win versus Pittsburgh with a hip injury, which forced him to leave the game. He was later replaced by rookie Bernard Scott, who posted 13 attempts for 33 yards. Johnson was then brought in for a work out to provide depth behind an injured Cedric Benson.

Coach Marvin Lewis told Benson that his job as the starting running back was safe, and they were bringing in Johnson only to improve this team.

Some were worried if the signing of Johnson was too risky, and could mess up a locker room that is finally getting to be perfect. Cincinnati (7-2) has had a heck of a season, they don't need anything messing that up for them.

If Johnson gets a hundred carries or no carries, he was blessed to be given this second chance. After many legal troubles and frustrations with the coaches and players, Johnson was cut from Kansas City. Many teams were interested, but they thought he might have too much baggage.

Cincinnati has a knack for signing players that have had troubles in the past, and for some, that has worked out.

If Johnson keeps his mouth shut, and just plays the game of football the way we all knows he can, he'll be another dominant player in the football league.