Chris Johnson now loses a year towards free agency

[SHOGUN]

Of course you don't see this in any other sport. The NFL is the only major sport where the contracts are not guaranteed.

There's nothing stopping owners from cutting guys and getting out from paying them millions. So why shouldn't one of the best players in the sport hold out when he's clearly being underpaid?

Johnson doesn't even have a big window in his prime to make a lot of money.

Exactly.

 

[dave]

easy to say that the players should honor their contracts when teams do not honor them either.

If Johnson gets hurt he risk's getting less money than he could of got if he wasn't hurt. and the fact RB statistically drop off after 30 and so you want to make as much as possible before that mountain-drop comes

Johnson has the leverage as well in Tennessee where they have a shit team without him and are probably finishing 3-13 or less

They'd probably finish 3-13 with him. That's one bad team.

But, I agree with most of the posters, Johnson's gotta get his cash money. He plays the most perilous position in the game and is woefully underpaid.

 

[leaffan]

Was this issue of non guarenteed contracts even brought up in the new CBA?

 

[Herm]

The Titans are ready to make Chris Johnson the highest paid running back in NFL history when he reports to training camp, General Manager Mike Reinfeldt said today.

Johnson, meanwhile, said he is still waiting on an offer.

The most productive running back in the NFL over the past three seasons has been holding out because he wants a long-term contract. He has two years remaining on his current deal, and is scheduled to make a little more than $1 million this season.

“Even though he has two years left on his contract, we’d like him to go in,” Reinfeldt told the Associated Press. “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.

“Again, we’re willing to make him the highest paid running back in the history of the NFL. That’s kind of where we are.”

Reinfeldt also told the Associated Press that Johnson’s agent, Joel Segal, was the first person the Titans called when the NFL lockout was lifted in late July.

Reached by phone this afternoon, Johnson told The Tennessean: “I am surprised at Reinfeldt's statement about offering to make me the highest paid running back. Neither me nor Joel have received any offer from the Titans at all.”

Asked if the Titans had offered a deal immediately after the lockout, Johnson said: “Maybe they talked, but I guarantee we never received any offer.”

Johnson also defended his holdout, saying he is in great shape and ready to practice, “but I have to take care of business first.”

Segal has been unavailable for comment.

Reinfeldt's statements came less than 24 hours after Titans all-time leading rusher Eddie George publicly criticized the team for dragging its feet in getting Johnson locked up to a long-term contract.

Johnson is believed to be seeking a contract including around $30 million guaranteed. By comparison, the Panthers recently gave running back DeAngelo Williams a five-year, $43 million contract with $21 million guaranteed. As for other top-paid backs, Adrian Peterson of the Vikings is scheduled to make $10.7 million this season in the final year of his deal, and in 2008 Steven Jackson of the Rams signed a six-year, $44 million deal with more than $20 million guaranteed.

Reinfeldt’s stance since the beginning of training camp has been that Johnson must report before the Titans would negotiate.

“With his position, it’s important he’s here meeting people,” Reinfeldt told the Associated Press. “I don’t think he needs to carry the ball 30 times in the preseason to be ready for the regular season. For a running back, it’s more important he’s here to learn his teammates and learn the offense. Beyond practice time, he’s got the natural ability.”

 

[Ravin]

Honestly, both sides need to stop acting like a bunch of fucking babies. CJ won't come to camp because he wants an offer first. Titans won't give him an offer till he comes to camp. Jesus christ someone put their pride away and just get it done. You both will agree on the same thing in the end, just neither wants to let go on this little "hold" they have.