On Friday, a report emerged after the release of running back Chris Johnson that four teams had discussed a possible trade of Johnson with the Titans: the Jets, Dolphins, Bills, and Falcons.
The report used the term “discussed” generally. It contained no elaboration regarding the extent of the discussions or specification of the progress of the talks.
Per a source with knowledge of the “discussions” had between the Titans and one of the four teams identified, the talks with that team went like this: (1) the Titans called the team to see if there was any interest; (2) the team said it would think about it; and (3) the team called back and said no thanks.
Technically, does that amount to trade discussions? Probably. But it hardly means the team was interested in making a deal.
At this point, it doesn’t matter; Johnson is a free agent. But the notion that four teams “discussed” a trade creates the impression that those four teams are interested in Johnson now. That impression may not be accurate.
It doesn’t matter if that impression stirs at least one additional team to make a move. In the end, however, they may not be enough teams at the table to allow Johnson to get anything close to the contract he had in Tennessee.