All Pro running back Chris Johnson and the Tennessee Titans are still worlds apart in their negotiations for a contract extension, and now the Titans have clarified that they have no intention of trading the star running back, even if he requests one. Media reports earlier in the day suggested that Johnson’s next move might be to request a traqde.
Rookie head coach Mike Munchak explained the Titans perspective in an interview on NFL.com, “We would figure he’s under contract for two years, he’s going to be a Titan and we would hope a longer term than that.”
“But I don’t think [a trade is ] anything we would even give any consideration to. He’s with us one way or another, and hopefully it ends up being on the field.”
The Titans have said publicly that they are prepared to make Johnson the highest paid running back in NFL history.
Both Johnson and his agent, Joel Segal, met with team officials on Wednesday and staunchly reinforced their goal to be paid like a star playmaker, instead of a running back. The three-time Pro Bowler allegedly wishes to receive at least $30 million in guaranteed money — a number the Titans have hesitated to accept. Per reports, there is currently a disagreement of approximately $3 million per year between the two sides
The three-time pro bowler has not reported to training camp because he and the team have been unable to reach an agreement that reflects his true value as a player. The Titans have said they will make Johnson the highest paid running back in NFL history, but want him to report first before accelerating talks.
The new contract signed by Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, 8 years, $120 million, make Fitzgerald the highest paid non-quarterback in the league and the fifth highest paid player in the league including quarterbacks. Fitzgerald’s contract sets a new high water mark for non-quarterback playmakers, and could further accentuate the differences between the two sides.
As time ticks by, it’s getting questionable when Johnson will report and if he will be ready for the season opener.
“We’re three weeks away from starting … it’s getting to be important that we get this thing worked out,” Munchak told reporters. “As coaches, we don’t have any control over all that. But you get anxious. You’re trying to make decisions on how we move forward so we’re all hoping it’s done soon so we can move forward and quit having to do these kind of questions.”
Johnson’s teammates don’t seem to be holding the situation against him and are waiting to welcome him back to the locker room.
