Looks Like CJ2K Will Be in Uniform Week 1

ProFootballTalk: NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi said Tuesday night that the Titans are “ready to make an offer” that would get Chris Johnson under contract.

“They’ve opened up the bank vault. . . . . It looks like they’re going to pay him,” Lombardi said tuesday night, indicating a potential deal is possible by the end of the weekend.

   Now I don't want to jinx anything because I have him on one of my fantasy teams but it appears that all fantasy owners can breath easy because Chris Johnson will be between the tackles on September 11th, narrowly avoiding a view from his couch.  The real story here is what the hell have the Titans been waiting for? Has no one in their front office noticed that their starting quarterback is Matt Hasselbeck? Saying he's on the back nine of the career is an understatement, the dude hasn't played a full season since 2007 and has really never done anything noteworthy in his career but hand the ball off to Shaun Alexander.   

   Regardless of who's playing quarterback Chris Johnson is the definition of the game changer. He's got, "running away from the cops speed," as Gus Johnson so eloquently put it and is arguably the fastest man in the NFL.  He's been a top 5 runningback for the last three seasons yet he is one of the lowest paid, earning just over 500k. In an occupation where athletes are dying in their 40's because of what they do during their playing career this gross underpayment is unacceptable. Especially considering the Titans probably make more than that on his jersey sales alone.  With no guaranteed contracts and players getting hurt all the time CJ2K deserves to make money now, while he's young and healthy. Give him a nice fat signing bonus and some guaranteed money for the next 2-3 years then if he sucks and is constantly battling injuries when he's 29 you cut him or restructure his deal. 

    The Titans are going nowhere fast, but without Chris Johnson it would be surprising if they didn't get the first pick in next years draft.  However, lets hope the reports are true and the two sides are going to make a compromise that puts CJ2K on the field for game one.