Chris Johnson won't hold out, agrees to restructure current contract

Dirtstar · 07-19-2010, 06:43 PM

[url]http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5393093[/url]

[QUOTE]NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Chris Johnson's agent says the running back and the Tennessee Titans have agreed on a revised deal that should ensure he reports with the rest of the team for training camp.

Agent Joel Segal confirmed the deal Monday in a text to The Associated Press.

The agreement was first reported by Profootballtalk.com.

The deal pays Johnson incentives this season that he was due to be paid in 2012. It's not the minimum $30 million guarantee The AP 2009 Offensive Player of the Year says he wanted after becoming just the sixth back to run for at least 2,000 yards.

But he no longer will be the lowest-paid running back on the Titans roster and the deal should prevent him from missing training camp after sitting out the entire offseason in protest.

Both sides are reviewing the contract, which could be signed within the next 48 hours. Some of his maximum $2.5 million escalator will be moved forward, and no new years will be added to the deal, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

"We're still talking through some issues," a source familiar with the process said Monday. "It's going to get done, but it's not done yet."

Johnson had said he would hold out from the Titans' training camp, which begins July 31, unless he received either a long-term deal or a short-term fix to his 2010 salary.

He had been scheduled to make $550,000 for the 2010 season.

The two-time Pro Bowler said earlier this offseason he wants to be the highest-paid offensive player in the NFL, a bold goal for a running back. The Titans have maintained that Johnson remains under contract for three more seasons thanks to the five-year, $12 million deal he signed after being drafted 24th overall out of East Carolina.

Johnson was named The Associated Press' Offensive Player of the Year last season after rushing for 2,006 yards.

In 2009, Johnson also set the single-season record for yards from scrimmage with 2,509. He became the first player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards and catch 500 yards in the same season.

He also became the first player in NFL history to rush for three touchdowns of 85 yards or longer in a career, which he did in one season. Through two seasons, Johnson ranks third in NFL history with 3,234 yards to start his career. Only Eric Dickerson (3,913) and Edgerrin James (3,262) ran for more in their first two seasons.[/QUOTE]

Dirtstar · 07-19-2010, 06:56 PM

i thought this was very interesting, given the similarities between CJ's and Revis's situations:

- both young superstars, arguably the best young offensive and defensive players in the league
- both coming off fantastic seasons and back-to-back Pro Bowls
- both set to be "underpaid" in 2010 relative to their value/talents
- both have 3 years remaining in their rookie contracts
- both want to be the highest-paid players at their respective positions

the fact that CJ is willing to compromise is even more significant, considering that as an RB he'll likely have a shorter career/shelf-life than Revis.

07-19-2010, 06:43 PM	#1
Dirtstar Snubbed a man just to watch him cry. Hall Of Fame Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 15,882	Chris Johnson won't hold out, agrees to restructure current contract [url]http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5393093[/url] [QUOTE]NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Chris Johnson's agent says the running back and the Tennessee Titans have agreed on a revised deal that should ensure he reports with the rest of the team for training camp. Agent Joel Segal confirmed the deal Monday in a text to The Associated Press. The agreement was first reported by Profootballtalk.com. The deal pays Johnson incentives this season that he was due to be paid in 2012. It's not the minimum $30 million guarantee The AP 2009 Offensive Player of the Year says he wanted after becoming just the sixth back to run for at least 2,000 yards. But he no longer will be the lowest-paid running back on the Titans roster and the deal should prevent him from missing training camp after sitting out the entire offseason in protest. Both sides are reviewing the contract, which could be signed within the next 48 hours. Some of his maximum $2.5 million escalator will be moved forward, and no new years will be added to the deal, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. "We're still talking through some issues," a source familiar with the process said Monday. "It's going to get done, but it's not done yet." Johnson had said he would hold out from the Titans' training camp, which begins July 31, unless he received either a long-term deal or a short-term fix to his 2010 salary. He had been scheduled to make $550,000 for the 2010 season. The two-time Pro Bowler said earlier this offseason he wants to be the highest-paid offensive player in the NFL, a bold goal for a running back. The Titans have maintained that Johnson remains under contract for three more seasons thanks to the five-year, $12 million deal he signed after being drafted 24th overall out of East Carolina. Johnson was named The Associated Press' Offensive Player of the Year last season after rushing for 2,006 yards. In 2009, Johnson also set the single-season record for yards from scrimmage with 2,509. He became the first player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards and catch 500 yards in the same season. He also became the first player in NFL history to rush for three touchdowns of 85 yards or longer in a career, which he did in one season. Through two seasons, Johnson ranks third in NFL history with 3,234 yards to start his career. Only Eric Dickerson (3,913) and Edgerrin James (3,262) ran for more in their first two seasons.[/QUOTE]

07-19-2010, 06:56 PM	#2
Dirtstar Snubbed a man just to watch him cry. Hall Of Fame Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 15,882	i thought this was very interesting, given the similarities between CJ's and Revis's situations: - both young superstars, arguably the best young offensive and defensive players in the league - both coming off fantastic seasons and back-to-back Pro Bowls - both set to be "underpaid" in 2010 relative to their value/talents - both have 3 years remaining in their rookie contracts - both want to be the highest-paid players at their respective positions the fact that CJ is willing to compromise is even more significant, considering that as an RB he'll likely have a shorter career/shelf-life than Revis.