WASHINGTON — Larry Johnson and the Redskins agreed to a deal with a base value of $3.5 million Friday night, but the former Chiefs running back could make as much as $12 million if he meets certain incentives.
Johnson joins Clinton Portis in what should make for an intriguing backfield dynamic under new coach Mike Shanahan. Johnson is 30, Portis 28 — although Portis’ body has been battered by 50 percent more carries. Both have been to two Pro Bowls. Both need to show some sort of resurgence rather than a steady decline toward retirement.
And both have been known to get in trouble for saying too much.
Johnson’s most productive years were 2005-06, when he had back-to-back 1,750-yard seasons. He has 6,219 yards and 55 touchdowns on 1,421 carries over eight NFL seasons, plus 154 catches for 1,373 yards and six TDs.
Shanahan and general manager Bruce Allen have said Portis will be the team’s running back next season, but Portis ended last year on injured reserve with a concussion. He ran for a career-low 494 yards.
Wiegmann rejoins Chiefs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After two seasons with the Broncos, center Casey Wiegmann is returning to the Chiefs. Including his time with the Broncos, Wiegmann has started 143 straight games at center and taken 9,078 snaps dating to 2001.
Footnotes.
The Browns signed Benjamin Watson to a three-year deal worth $12 million, including $6.35 million guaranteed, and released fellow tight end Steve Heiden.
• Former Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson met with Jets officials at the team’s training facility, then had dinner with coach Rex Ryan and other team officials.
• The Chargers and cornerback Donald Strickland agreed to a two-year contract.
