The Tennessee Titans have offered to make Chris Johnson the highest-paid running back in the league in order to end his lockout, but they are requiring that he report to camp first.
“Even though he has two years left on his contract, we’d like him to go in,” Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt said to the AP. “He could go to meetings, get to know the new coaches, he can learn the scheme. He doesn’t have to practice, but it’s something we want to get done.”
Reinfeldt went on to say that, “We’re willing to make him the highest-paid running back in the history of the NFL.”
Johnson has more rushing yards than anyone in the league since he was drafted in 2008. Over that period, Adrian Peterson is the second highest rated rusher. Both entered the league with five year contracts, but Peterson’s was worth $40.5 million, while Johnson’s was worth $12 million.
Johnson has been a bargain by any standard, and it appears that the Titans finally agree, although their position on him reporting to camp is inexplicable.
Johnson has reportedly been keeping up with the new playbook through backup RB Javon Ringer.
