Chris Johnson is trying to turn the tables on the Tennessee Titans. The running back has heard the rumors swirling about a possible release, so now he is simply requesting one. With a large contract to his name, the Titans have been rumored to be considering letting Johnson go in favor of rebuilding. Not to be out done, the running back says if the team cannot properly use him then he wants out.
Johnson is scheduled to make $8 million in salary next season. Is the running back worth it? This is the Johnson that rushed for 2,006 yards back in 2009. However, he put up just 1,077 yards this season, the second-lowest of his six-year career in the league. His 279 carries were the highest in the past three seasons but he failed to capitalize. According to Johnson, he is worth every penny and the Titans are simply wasting his time and talents.
"No disrespect, I love Tennessee and would love to be in Tennessee," Johnson said, via The Tennessean. "But I feel like I am wasting the prime years of my career if I am not used right. You feel me? It is crazy to look at backs around the league and see the opportunities they have."
Johnson ripped the team's game plan that left him on the sideline during critical plays. He told reporters that if he is one of the highest paid players on the team then he should be on the field as much as possible. However, the Titans signed veteran Shonn Greene in the offseason with the intention of limiting Johnson a little more. That has not sat well with the running back.
"I feel like if they are not going to use me the way I am supposed to be used and let me be the horse, then I would rather them let me move on," Johnson said. "Their money would be wasted on me. I feel like if they are not going to use me right, let somebody get me that's going to use me the right way."
Johnson has not requested a trade from the team and it was reported earlier in the season that Tennessee was prepared to simply release him in the offseason. The running back says he would prefer to go to a team that gives him a larger offensive role whether it is by trade or by release.
"I want to help the team win," Johnson said. "People say, 'He is not worth the $10 million, he is not worth the $8 million.' I feel like if you give me $8 million, let me earn it. At crucial times of the game, I shouldn't be on the sideline watching."
Johnson's talents have certainly diminished over the past few seasons. He is a far cry from the player that put up over 2,000 yards, but teams will be interested if he is on the market. The Titans likely will not be able to trade him with his current salary, so a release is the best option.
