David Johnson 'Encouraged' by Recent Contract Extension Talks with Cardinals

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson is one of the best playmakers in the NFL when healthy, but he said the fact that he missed 15 games last year with a broken wrist has impacted contract discussions as he enters the final season of his rookie contract.

"I think that's what it is—I didn't play," Johnson said, per Darren Urban of the team's official website. "I didn't play last year. I was hoping my production from my second year and what I did my first year would help out, but the NFL is what have you done for me lately, so hopefully I can prove it once the season starts."

Johnson said he plans on having his agent handle the talks but granted he is "encouraged" there has been an open dialogue with the team.

This comes after Mike Garafolo of NFL.com reported in June he expected the Cardinals and Johnson to agree to terms on a contract extension.

He was a 2016 Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro member the last time he was healthy, recording 1,239 rushing yards, 879 receiving yards and 20 total touchdowns. It was a dominant performance and suggested big things to come, and he looked like the same back in limited action in this year's preseason opener with two carries for 28 yards in a win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Johnson is 26 years old and will make just $1.9 million in base salary this season, per Spotrac.

Even with injury concerns, the combination of Johnson's upside, age and recent production make him worth much more than that, and it will be up to the running back's agent and Arizona to finalize an agreement that keeps him aboard for years to come.