Chris Johnson has been adamant that he would not take a pay cut. What a difference actually looking in the mirror and gauging you true value to the rest of the league might do. The Tennessee Titans running back is now willing to take a cut in salary in order to facilitate a deal. The question now becomes, who cares? Anyone?
Of course Chris Johnson/agent would be willing to redo his deal 2 facilitate a trade. With an $8 million salary, he’s untradeable otherwise
— Jim Wyatt (@jwyattsports) March 13, 2014
He’s going to have to down to less than $3 million per season for any team to bite, especially if that team has to give up a pick for his services. While Johnson has put up at least 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first six NFL seasons, his contract is based off what he did from 2008-2010, not what he has done over the past three seasons.
First three NFL seasons (average): 1,533 rushing yards, 5.0 average, 46 receptions, 336 yards and 13 total touchdowns touchdowns
Last three NFL seasons (average): 1,122 rushing yards, 4.1 average, 45 receptions, 332 yards and seven total touchdowns
Look at these numbers for one second. How many teams out there wouldn’t be happy with a running back that’s averaging nearly 1,500 total yards and seven scores over the past three seasons.
Again, I point to the contract.
Could Johnson possibly be dealt should he demand $3-$4 million per season? That’s a real possibility.
Teams in need of a running back to fill a committee approach could show interest. The New England Patriots, Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Rams, Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns all come to mind first.
Photo: Don McPeak, USA Today