In the next 24 hours Chris Johnson will become a free agent. NFL sources report the Tennessee Titans are preparing to release the running back in order to avoid paying him $8 million next season. Johnson will become the next big offseason story once available now that players like Jared Allen and DeSean Jackson have been signed. So with Johnson on the move, who picks him up?
According to Johnson's agent, several teams are prepared to make an offer on the running back who at one point in his career rushed for over 2,000 yards. The New York Jets have already announced their intentions to be active in negotiations for Johnson. According to the New York Daily News, the team wants and upgrade and sees the veteran as a perfect fit. However, they might want to prepare for a bidding war as several other teams have emerged as contenders.
The Dallas Cowboys are not sold on DeMarco Murray being able to carry the weight of the ground game. General manager/Head Cowboy Jerry Jones is looking for a one-two punch in the run game in order to help out Tony Romo at quarterback. With Lance Dunbar and Joseph Randle not being the most impressive names, Johnson would be an excellent fit. He and Murray would be a solid pairing for a running back rotation that could get Dallas the high-powered offense they have wanted.
Another team emerging in the Johnson race might be the New York Giants. Head coach Tom Coughlin has voiced his support for David Wilson returning healthy and prepared to be the lead back. The Giants also signed Rashad Jennings to a deal in free agency, but FOX Sports reports that New York will keep an eye on Johnson with uncertainty remaining in Wilson's health. After a career-threatening neck injury, it is still unknown just how productive will be next season.
Ultimately, Johnson's fate rests in his contract demands. It is unclear exactly what his market value is going to be. Is Johnson more valuable than Knowshon Moreno who only signed a one-year deal? Right now, the benchmark for running backs appears to be $3.5 million annually. Johnson will have to be willing to accept a pay cut in order to get a deal because $8 million might be out of the question.