The Tennessee Titans made it clear the franchise has no intention of trading disgruntled star running back Chris Johnson, even if he requests one. Rookie head coach Mike Munchak explained the situation Thursday afternoon to NFL.com reporters.
"We would figure he's under contract for two years, he's going to be a Titan and we would hope a longer term than that," Munchak said. "But I don't think that's anything we would even give any consideration to. He's with us one way or another, and hopefully it ends up being on the field."
Thus far the Titans and Johnson have been extremely distant on the terms of a contract extension, despite the fact that the team publicly announced its willingness to make the 25-year-old the highest paid running back in NFL history.
Both Johnson and his agent, Joel Segal, met with team officials on Wednesday and staunchly reinforced their goal to be paid like a star playmaker, instead of a running back. The three-time Pro Bowler allegedly wishes to receive at least $30 million in guaranteed money -- a number the Titans have hesitated to accept. Per reports, there is currently a disagreement of approximately $3 million per year between the two sides.
The Tennessee Titans' 2011 NFL season begins September 11th against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Injured third-year back Javon Ringer is the only current backfield contributor on the roster with regular season experience.
For more on Chris Johnson's ongoing holdout and the impact it has on the Tennessee Titans, check out Music City Miracles.