Head coach Mike Shanahan said he expects to meet with free agent running back Larry Johnson on Friday.

"I'm looking forward to spending some time [on Friday] with Larry," Shanahan told reporters during a Thursday media session at a charitable event in Tysons Corner, Va. "Obviously I've watched him from afar for a number of years. I've coached him in the Pro Bowl.

"I like Larry. I'm a big fan of his. I'll get a chance to spend some time with him and then we'll let the process take care of itself."

Johnson is an 8-year veteran who has spent the bulk of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs. He was released midseason last year and joined the Cincinnati Bengals to close out the season.

Regarded as a big, bruising back, Johnson has compiled 6,219 career rushing yards and 55 touchdowns. He also has 154 catches out of the backfield for 1,373 yards and six TDs.

Johnson entered the NFL as a first-round draft pick by the Chiefs in 2002. He had his two best seasons in 2005-06, when he rushed for 1,750 yards both seasons and totaled 37 touchdowns.

Media reports have linked free agent running back Willie Parker to the Redskins as well, but Shanahan did not confirm a visit by Parker.

"We have a lot of people we're interested in," Shanahan said in a response to a question about Parker. "There are a lot of good football players out there. We have a plan and we're just going to stick by it.

"Some of these guys will work out, some won't. If it doesn't work out, it doesn't work out for a reason."