Chirs Johnson Happy to be in Camp, Still Eyeing Long-Term Deal
The Tennessee Titans did enough this off-season to get Chris Johnson to report to training camp on time. They reached a compromise with the star running back and restructured his contract, adding Johnson’s 2012 salary to this season. Johnson will earn $2.5 million this season.
That is still a bargain for Tennessee as Johnson was originally set to make $550,000 this year. Johnson did not wish to miss training camp so he accepted the Titans offer as a compromise. His goal is still to become the league’s highest paid offensive player. That may be tough for a running back to make that much in a quarterback driven league, but Johnson is out to prove that he deserves it.
"I couldn't be in here mad. If I was going to come in here mad, I shouldn't have taken the little [money] they gave me,'' Johnson said "Basically I have to come in here and have a great year and get my history deal next year.”
Johnson added that while the short-term fix was enough to get him on the field this time around, a long-term deal is still on his mind and he wants one soon.
"I felt like I deserved it this year, but ... I can say it won't happen again. This is the last time without me having a long-term deal. It's a must.''
Johnson ran for a league-leading 2,006 yards last year, becoming only the sixth player in NFL history to accomplish such a feat. He also added 503 yards receiving to break the record for Yards from Scrimmage with 2,509. If Johnson can have a season anywhere near what he accomplished last season, there is no doubt that he will get his well-deserved raise.
The Titans have assured Johnson and his agent that talks of a long-term deal will resume in September. While negotiations would take place, Johnson cannot sign a new deal until July 22nd 2011 as NFL rules state teams require a year between contract renewals.
Johnson did not report to the Titans off-season OTAs as he was seeking a deal with at least $30 million guaranteed. The Titans weren’t willing to offer Johnson that much with the uncertainty surrounding the league’s labour dispute.
"With my situation, you have to know who you are dealing with at the end of the day," Johnson said. "You are dealing with a team that is not known for [paying].''
Johnson being in training camp and reporting for the start of the season is a relief for the Titans and for Vince Young in particular. With the dynamic duo in the backfield, the defence's attention is divided, as they have to choose whether they go for Johnson or Young.
The Titans have designed several plays in order to take advantage of the situation. Johnson and Young are both threats to run and can burn defenses. That also makes Young’s job easier in the passing game as that would be an afterthought for defenses looking to shut down Chris Johnson. Those are all key advantages the Titans gets with Johnson and why he is so important to this team.
While the Titans aren’t known for being a team that pay a whole lot, they have to change that habit with Johnson if he has another great season. IF the organization is serious about contending for a Super Bowl, they have to do what it takes to get the game’s best players locked up with them.
"I feel like a lot of teams around the league would be willing to pay me, but I want to be here," Johnson said. "And I feel like the way we worked it out for me to come this year, they pretty much know already I should have a deal next year. I know there is nothing I can do now. I just have to wait 'til next year.''
Johnson showed loyalty when he agreed to the compromise and didn’t hold out on training camp like some of the league’s stars who chose not to compromise with their team. It’s a difficult season for teams and players. Johnson showed loyalty to the Titans and his team mates, now it will soon to time for the Titans to show loyalty to their greatest asset.
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