Last year Chris Johnson’s holdout resulted in a four year $53.5 million contract extension. The Titans might be regretting that decision and will have another one to make very soon. Read more after the jump.
The Titans have less than two months to decide if they want to cut their losses or continue to take chances with Johnson.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter noted this morning that Johnson’s contract includes a provision that if he’s still on the roster on February 9, $9 million of his $10 million salary for 2013 will become guaranteed. In other words, the Titans have until five days after the Super Bowl to decide whether they want to commit a huge amount of money to Johnson, or to let him become an unrestricted free agent.
What’s so maddening about Johnson is how inconsistent he is. He’s had five different games this season in which he gained less than 50 yards while averaging less than 2.5 yards a carry. Which would suggest that it’s crazy to pay him $10 million next season. Except that he’s also had four different games this season in which he gained more than 125 yards and at least 5.5 yards a carry. When he’s on, he’s capable of being the best player on the field in any game he plays.
Despite the games where he’s played exceptionally well, he’s been subpar for the most part. I don’t think the Titans want to pay a superstar contract for a player to have a once in a while breakout game. Well the clock is ticking.
