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June 7 (UPI) -- Free agent running back Chris Johnson says he expects to sign a contract and join a team before training camp. He told Sports Illustrated that he is in talks with the Arizona Cardinals and is open to a return. He also said he wants to play for a contender.
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"It's every player's goal, no matter it be football or basketball, to be a champion. They want to win it all. They want to play in that big game," Johnson told Sports Illustrated.
He said he also doesn't have a problem "sharing the load" if he isn't the starter wherever he ends up.
The 31-year-old is entering his 10th pro season. He has spent his last two seasons as a member of the Cardinals, rushing for 909 yards and four touchdowns, while averaging 4.1 yards per tote. The 2009 All-Pro hasn't made the Pro Bowl since 2010.
Last season, Johnson ran for 95 yards and a score in four games.
"I think I want to go out there and see what options I have first," Johnson told Alex Marvez and Gil Brandt of SiriusXM NFL Radio earlier this offseason. "I feel at this point in my career if it's not a situation where a team wants to bring me in to be a starter, I definitely need to be somewhere where I have a role. I need to be involved. At this point in my career, I don't want to sit on the sideline. I want to get in the game."
Johnson went on injured reserve last season after injuring his groin in Week 4. He underwent sports hernia surgery. His 2015 campaign was cut short due to a leg injury after he rushed for 814 yards and three scores in his first season for the Cardinals.
The Cardinals still have Andre Ellington on its roster and drafted T.J. Logan in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Johnson is 463 yards short of 10,000 rushing yards for his career.
