Johnson is Rewarded for Holding Out

Optimists who were hoping to see Chris Johnson in a Titans uniform come this weekend were called ‘idealists’ earlier this week when it seemed that the RB and his team, the Tennessee Titans, just could not hammer out a deal. But, they’re the ones getting the last laugh now as Johnson has a new deal and is suited up and ready to go.

Jim Wyatt of the local paper, the Nashville Tennessean, broke the news yesterday that Chris Johnson had finally signed a deal; and in it, he got everything that he wanted. Let’s jump back just a couple of weeks ago when Johnson was set to earn $800,000 this year playing for the team, according to his two-year contract. He however, wanted elite player status and with that, elite player money — with a bonus request of $30 million guaranteed. If he didn’t get it, he wasn’t going to play. Or go to training camp. Or even show up in the building.

What he got initially after making the request was no real deal to speak of, but a promise from the Titans that they were “ready to make him the highest paid running back in NFL history.” That wasn’t enough, and Johnson continued to stay home. But talks earlier this week were the first of their kind to show any real promise and that’s when people started talking about seeing Johnson back on the field very soon. It seems that talk has turned to reality.

The deal that was signed yesterday gives Johnson $13.375 million each year for four new years that have been added to the contract. He’ll also receive $9.21 million for every year of the deal, including the two years he had still remaining on his contract. Oh, and that $30 million guaranteed that Chris wanted? That’s in the deal, too! It seems that you really can have it all, if you’re willing to hold out just a little while to get it.

Categorized in: NFL