Chris Johnson – Time For A Raise?

After a huge 2009 season one would think Tennessee Titans’ Chris Johnson would make some new contract demands, right? He just finished his second professional season which means he’s still playing under his rookie contract. After rushing for 2006 yards, can you blame him for asking for a big boy contract?

The Tennessean is reporting that Johnson is making his desire for a new deal known but is going about it in the right way. It appears that other then his statement to the media about wanting one, he won’t negotiate through it like many other players do.

"

“Hopefully they’ll want to give me a new deal. I think I deserve to be the highest paid running back in the league, or even the highest paid offensive player besides the quarterback,’’ said Johnson,.

“But it’s not like I am not going out in the media saying, ‘Pay me, I want a new deal now.’ I am just saying, if they were to pay me, I want that. Hopefully they want that, too.’’

"

Even thou Johnson earned significant raises in the back portion of that rookie contract you can’t blame him for wanting more. Here’s how his contract breaks down.

2009 he made $385,000 (less then his backup LenDale White $535,000 made)
2010 – $560,000
2011 – $800,000
2012 – $2.21 million but should increase to $2.5 million because of the escalators he reached

So looking at that contract, can you really blame him for wanting more? I know I can’t. He’s undoubtedly the best running back in the league (sorry Adrian Peterson its true).

His agent, Joel Segal is also playing things the right way. “If you look at it, you can make the determination” that Johnson deserves a new contract. “There will be a time for that, just not now.’’

That time is definitely coming for Johnson, hopefully its before the 2010 season but with him under contract for so long I could see the Titans waiting till after a new CBA is reached. It’s unfortunate but hey it’s business and he is under contract for a few more years.

So will he play the role of a hold out?

Johnson will be skipping offseason workouts, but doesn’t plan on missing any practice or camps. “I haven’t even thought about that,’’ Johnson said. “I am playing football. All that new deal stuff, that is between my agent and the Titans. I’ll leave that to them.’’

If he acts like how he’s talking then I’ll give this kid all the credit in the world. He knows what he is worth but he knows what he signed and is willing to honor it.

Now if his 2009 totals get repeated in 2010 things might change.