Image Source: Twitter @ChrisJohnson28

BY: SAM KOROTKIN

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NFL -- it’s back on the field. Who’s not on the field -- Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson. What’s his problem?  What do ya think?

Johnson met with General Manager Mike Reinfeldt Wednesday in an attempt to come to an agreement for a new contract. No deal yet, but the GM called the talks “beneficial” and hopes to meet with Johnson’s agent again soon.
(NFL.com: Chris Johnson Highlights)

“We were able to discuss several different elements of a potential contract, but there was no agreement on those topics. I do expect to have another conversation with Joel in the next day or so to discuss things further.”

(The Tennessean: Johnson Remains at Odds)

The dilemma -- Johnson, one of only six players ever to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, doesn’t want top running back money, he wants top-player-in-the NFL money. With major contracts for playmakers like Peyton Manning and Larry Fitzgerald recently, Johnson wants in on the action.
 

ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb compared Fitz and CJ, noting that the young back may have a legitimate claim.

"He hasn’t been hurt, he’s 25 years old, he’s got game breaking speed, he doesn’t fumble the football. I think Chris Johnson is actually the smarter play at 25 years old than Fitz will be at 28 years old.”
(ESPN First Take: Comparing Johnson to Fitzgerald)

Johnson is slated to make just more than a million bucks this season. But CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco argues the game has changed... running backs are now just part of the show.  Not the whole show.

“Backs are role players now. The rules mandate that. The Titans were 17th in rushing last season with him. They were 27th in total offense. How much worse can they be without him?”'

(CBSSports: Prisco's Points)

According to the Tennessean, Johnson wants a deal that will pay him around 13.5 million per year and upwards of 35 million dollars guaranteed.

But are those numbers realistic? Patrick Rishe of Forbes says the Titans are being careful with their cash, and for good reason. Playmaker or not, Johnson, is- in the end- still a running back.

“Given the inherent higher likelihood of injury and shorter playing careers for running backs, there is certainly justification for why the Titans are correct in narrowing the scope of their negotiations to the running backs marketplace.”
(Forbes: Assessing Chris Johnson's Worth)

Titans head coach Mike Munchak said they have no interest in trading Johnson. ESPN football guru John Clayton says either way- the young back will be getting a raise, and doubts Johnson will stiff-arm the deal much longer.

“Let’s put it this way- it’s going to be his biggest pay day and as long as the Titans can come up a little bit more, come a little bit closer to the 12 million, my guess is if they go to ten then it’s a thinking point for him to make a decision. I think before the start of the season something will get done.”
(ESPN: John Clayton discusses Johnson's Holdout)

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