Redskins Add RB Larry Johnson

Hoping to upgrade a rushing attack that averaged just 94.4 yards per game in 2009, sixth-worst in the NFL, the Redskins reached a deal with free-agent running back Larry Johnson Friday.

ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported that the Redskins and Johnson had agreed to a three-year deal. According to NFL.com's Jason La Canfora, Johnson will earn a maximum of $12 million over the life of the contract.

The controversial Johnson, who was released by the Chiefs midway through last season, finished the year in Cincinnati. Combined between the two stops, the 30-year-old RB rushed for 581 yards.

Over his seven-year career, Johnson has accumulated 6,219 yards rushing and another 1,373 yards receiving. His best years came back-to-back in 2005 and '06 in Kansas City -- he topped 1,700 yards rushing in both those seasons with 40 combined touchdowns.

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Johnson will likely be asked to compete with Clinton Portis for carries in new Washington coach Mike Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme.

Portis missed eight games last year with a concussion and finished with a mere 494 yards rushing, the worst mark in his eight-year career. Portis' struggles and injury concerns make the Johnson signing an intriguing one, given Johnson's own struggles over the past four years -- since his stellar 2006, Johnson has not played more than 12 games in a season and has averaged barely more than 500 yards rushing per season.