NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Running back Chris Johnson said he is flying to Nashville to meet with Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt this morning, a move that might bring both sides closer to getting a deal done and end his holdout.
The three-time Pro Bowl player has refused to report to camp despite having two years left on his contract. The Titans have said they will make him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, but want him to report first before accelerating talks. Today’s meeting in Nashville might offer a way around that demand.
Miami signs Larry Johnson
DAVIE, Fla. — One-time workhorse Larry Johnson signed with the Dolphins and knows he must quickly make a good impression, including off the field, where repeated missteps derailed his career.
“It’s kind of hard to convince anybody with my colorful background that, yeah, I’ve changed,” Johnson said. “But you change with every situation you go through. You know that you can’t get many more shots. You do the best you can with your opportunity and ride on out to the sunset.”
Johnson sat out most of 2010 after being released by the Redskins last September. He twice made the Pro Bowl and has career rushing totals of 6,221 yards and 55 scores, but his most recent touchdown came in 2008.
Before signing Johnson, Miami worked out at least two other veterans, Tiki Barber and Clinton Portis.
Footnotes.
The Steelers and linebacker Lawrence Timmons agreed to a six-year contract worth $50 million.
• Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson, who collapsed and suffered a seizure at practice earlier this month, will play Thursday night against the Browns.
• Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson went through a limited practice, his first workout since he was sidelined with a torn right biceps tendon Aug. 6.
• Jets running back Shonn Greene returned to practice after missing Sunday’s 27-7 victory over the Bengals because of an infection in his foot.
• The Ravens and offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie agreed on a two-year deal, pending a physical.
• The Bengals acquired safety Taylor Mays from the 49ers in a trade for an undisclosed draft pick. The Associated Press
