Chris Johnson to be Released in March?

[revo]

A league source tells Profootballtalk.com that "several teams" around the league believe the Titans may release Chris Johnson before the fifth day of the new league year in 2012.
Johnson's 2012 salary of $8 million would be guaranteed if he's on the roster at that point. It's guaranteed for injury only. According to PFT, the feeling is now that the Titans won't pay the money "unless his on-field play improves significantly." The fifth day of the next league year would fall in early March of 2012. Johnson signed a six-year, $55.26 million contract on September 1, and has been thoroughly ineffective through seven games.
Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports Nov 6 - 10:49 AM

[Piney Boy]

I have no clue what to think about this. Why even sign him to that deal then. They could have cut bait and saved the money.

[Hammer]

I have no clue what to think about this. Why even sign him to that deal then. They could have cut bait and saved the money.

they didnt realize how bad he became.....

[revo]

here is how his contract breaks down:

"Johnson has $17 million of his total of $30 million guaranteed, which currently is guaranteed for injury only. It's not guaranteed for skill (diminished production). Of that $17 million, $8 million doesn't convert to skill guarantee until the fifth day of the 2012 waiver period (early March). The remaining $9 million converts on the fifth day of the 2013 waiver period.

So the Titans conceivably could release him for decline in skill -- assuming he continues to struggle -- after one season of the long-term extension and not owe him anything more beyond his $13 million in 2011 pay. Of course, it's highly likely the Titans will give Johnson at least another season and pay him $22 million over the first two years of the deal.

However, the Titans then could get out of the deal after 2012 and save that other $8 million. Johnson is set to count $12 million against the 2013 cap.

Johnson's $8 million salary for 2012 de-escalates by $300,000 if he fails to rush for 1,000 yards this season.

Johnson will earn $3 million this season in guaranteed base salary, and he received a $10 million signing bonus when he signed Sept. 1."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d823cf6d3/article/titans-could-walk-away-from-johnson-after-first-season-of-new-deal?campaign=Twitter_news

[schlesinj]

Wow, NFL contracts suck!

[DMT]

Wow, NFL contracts suck!

Really, as opposed to MLB contracts that overpay by tens of millions of dollars?

[schlesinj]

I mean MLB contracts are all guaranteed, this "poor" guy is having a crappy season and is going to lose millions.

[DMT]

I mean MLB contracts are all guaranteed, this "poor" guy is having a crappy season and is going to lose millions.

He should lose millions, he's been awful. I have never understood why so many MLB players make millions beyond what they deserve. They are akin (albeit less egregious) to the CEOs/bankers that lose millions for their companies yet still get rewarded with fat bonuses. MLB owners/GMs could learn a thing or two from their NFL counterparts...but I doubt they ever will.

[Erik]

MLB owners/GMs could learn a thing or two from their NFL counterparts...but I doubt they ever will.

They'd have to get the MLBPA to agree to non-guaranteed contracts, and that will never happen.