Titans Running Back Chris Johnson Wants Pay Raise

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson has been nothing short of spectacular in his first two seasons in the NFL. This season, the explosive back joined the likes of Eric Dickerson, Barry Sanders and O.J. Simpson as a handful of backs to rush for over 2,000 yards in a single season. Including Johnson, only six backs have accomplished that feat.

Johnson also broke Marshall Faulk’s NFL record for yards from scrimmage in a season. He finished the 2009 season with 2,509 yards from scrimmage.

The Pro Bowl back is now looking for a reward.

“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. He is only two years into a five-year $12 million deal.

Johnson is only set to receive $560,000 in 2010, but don’t expect him to make a fuss in the media.

“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.’’

The 2009 Offensive Player of the Year has not had time to consider options. When asked if he would consider a holdout Johnson said, “I haven’t even thought about that. I am playing football. All that new deal stuff, that is between my agent and the Titans. I’ll leave that to them.’’

His agent, Joel Segal, did not want to answer questions about numbers or a possible contract extension. There have been no talks with the Titans at this point.

“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.’’

The Titans will be in no rush to negotiate a new deal for Johnson. He is under contract until the 2012 season.