On Friday, the Titans cut running back Chris Johnson. Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Johnson currently is expected to pick his next team by the middle of next week.
It’s still unclear where he will land, although the strongest link appears to be to the Jets. Given the extended availability of Johnson via trade and the protracted stretch of time in which it was inevitable he’d be cut, interested teams have had plenty of time to do their work and come to a conclusion as to level of interest and financial commitment.
The fact that a land rush apparently hasn’t immediately emerged for Johnson could be a bad sign. And if there aren’t multiple teams with a high level of motivation to get Johnson, it will be hard for agent Joel Segal to get a significant offer.
Don’t be surprised if Johnson ultimately does a one-year deal that allows him to get back to the open market on the first day of 2015 free agency, and don’t be shocked if the base value is a lot closer to $3.5 million (the current top of the market) than $8 million.
Likewise, don’t be shocked if Johnson has a strong season, wherever he lands in 2014.