Why Tennessee Titans Must Embrace Future, Move on from Chris Johnson

The Tennessee Titans must release or trade running back Chris Johnson. 

Clearly, the Titans' organization is in a state of transition as a youth movement is taking over, beginning with the quarterback position, as Jake Locker has taken over for veteran Matt Hasselbeck. 

At running back, it is clear that Johnson just does not have it anymore. It was not long ago that he was known as "CJ2K" but in 2012, a more accurate moniker would be "CJ0K."

In 2009, Johnson rushed for over 2,000 yards. Even last year, in what is now widely considered a down year, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and four touchdowns. 

If 2011 was a down year, what exactly is this season so far?

2012 has seen Johnson run the ball 33 times for 45 yards with no touchdowns in three games. Let's not even talk about the average. 

Tennessee needs to make the correct decision here and dump Johnson while it still can. Clearly, Johnson's head isn't in it, or he has simply regressed to the point of a backup. Some of the problems are on the offensive line, but that has never stopped Johnson before. 

Ever since Johnson held out for a new contract, he simply has not been the same. While on the topic of money, Johnson represents a $12 million cap hit in 2013, a number the Titans could flip into great young players. 

Johnson is not old by any means at only 27 years old, but in terms of running back years, he is hitting the period of his career where a regression is only natural. 

Financially, letting Johnson go makes sense, and it makes sense for morale as well. A player with Johnson's personality and ego is only going to begin to cause issues, and with a younger, impressionable roster, Johnson could develop into a cancer quickly. 

While a huge cap number for Johnson's production is not ideal, there may be teams out there willing to trade something for Johnson simply based on his potential to produce like his old self again with a change of scenery. 

There are teams throughout the league that believe they are one running back away from contending for championships and may be willing to give up something in exchange rather than letting Johnson hit the open market. 

For the Titans, playing the market makes sense. Gaining pieces while letting go of an unproductive player makes sense. Even cutting his salary makes sense for the long-term prospects of the franchise, as it will have more money to operate with in extending its own players and during free-agency periods. 

Who knows, maybe Johnson will rebound and have a great season? There is a lot of time left. But that seems unlikely given the start. 

The Titans have much bigger issues than at running back, and unloading Johnson in some form will allow the front office to fill the multitude of holes on the roster. Javon Ringer is a capable runner in Johnson's place for the time being while the franchise continues to head in a different direction. 

Chris Johnson's time in Tennessee is quickly coming to an end. If the franchise is serious about turning things around long term, Johnson will be shown the door sooner rather than later. 

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