NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Titans are ready to make Chris Johnson the highest-paid running back in NFL history. All he has to do is show up at camp so they can finalize the deal.
General manager Mike Reinfeldt said Thursday that Johnson’s agent was the first person the Titans called once the NFL’s lockout was lifted. The Titans reworked John- son’s contract a year ago to give him more money in 2010 and promised to talk to him again a year later.
But the Titans want Johnson in training camp before completing a new extension.
“Even though he has two years left on his contract, we’d like him to go in,” Reinfeldt said. “He could go to meetings, get to know the new coaches, he can learn the scheme. He doesn’t have to practice, but it’s something we want to get done.
“Again, we’re willing to make him the highest-paid running back in the history of the NFL. That’s kind of where we are.”
Johnson said neither he nor his agent has received any offer from the Titans.
“Maybe they talked, but I guarantee we never received any offer,” Johnson said.
Johnson was the 24th overall pick in 2008. He has more yards rushing (4,598) than any other running back in the NFL over the past three years.
Denver Post wire services
