RB Johnson Gets Paid

RB Chris Johnson is now locked until the 2016 season.

It was just a matter of time before the Tennessee Titans realize they need RB Chris Johnson. From Johnson's camp, getting a deal done soon probably was urgent as well. Johnson hasn't made much money thus far in his career. To his credit, he did hold out until he got the pay he felt he deserved. With a four-year extension worth $53 million, Johnson will now be paid roughly $13 million a season, putting his yearly salary up with the top salaries in the league.

Some have made the argument that Johnson deserves to be paid among the elite NFL players in the league, leading the NFL in total rushing yards since he has gotten into the league. With the lack of productive wide receivers and offensive playmakers on offense, Johnson's productivity stands out that much more. Johnson most likely won't be able to play in the Titans' final preseason game in New Orleans, but his new extension assures him that he'll be ready September 11 in Jacksonville for the season opener.

Does Johnson really deserve to be paid among the elite NFL players? During his rookie season, the Titans were 13-3 and had the AFC's top seed. That success quickly ended when they lost at home to the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional Round. Johnson split rushing duties that season with RB LenDale White, who is no longer with the team. Johnson's second season was his best, rushing for over 2,000 yards as he became the primary back. However, the Titans got off to an 0-6 start, including a 59-0 loss at New England.

After QB Vince Young took over, he led them to an 8-2 record, but it was too late at that point. The 2010 season saw Johnson's production drop to over 1,300 yards, and the Titans weren't so successful either. They finished the season at a disappointing 6-10, in which the season went downhill during the second half of the season. Johnson is looked at by many as the best running back in the game, but his team hasn't shared his success.

This forces me to wonder - why pay top dollar for a guy who isn't bringing much success? Johnson isn't going to bring success for the Titans this year unless the defense plays better and QB Matt Hasselbeck has a more than decent season. Johnson will probably have around 1,500 yards, but if his team isn't doing anything, what sense does it make?

The Titans are banking on QB Jake Locker being the franchise quarterback for years to come, but that is only hope. The Titans still need to get better receiving weapons. WR Kenny Britt has showed promise at certain points, but hasn't turned out to be as productive as they would like. Couple that with his off-the-field troubles, and the Titans have some thinking to do with his future. If Britt gets in trouble once or twice more, he could be facing a lengthy suspension at the hands of Commissioner Roger Goodell. Then, what happens going forward?

The Titans lost in their battle with Johnson. But, if everything falls into place for the Titans, they will be just fine. That's a big IF however. That would mean Locker turns into a Pro Bowl quarterback, and Britt turns into a fine wide receiver. That would mean the Titans' defense, minus the departed DE Jason Babin, would be much better than last season as a unit.

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