"The Titans and the agent for running back Chris Johnson are discussing a compromise that could get the All-Pro in training camp sooner than most expect. Johnson, unhappy with his current contract, didn't take part in the offseason program and missed all 14 days of organized workouts. He wants a long-term deal that would pay him at least $30 million in guarantees. While the Titans still aren't willing to do that, a short-term solution could give Johnson a smaller bump in pay following a season when he led the NFL with 2,006 rushing yards, and was named the NFL's Offensive Player of the Year. Under the terms of the five-year, $12 million contract he signed prior to his rookie season, Johnson has reached escalators in the deal that could pay him up to an additional $2.5 million in salary in 2012. The Titans could turn that money into a signing bonus in 2010, and combine it with his scheduled base salary of $550,000 for this fall. Players earn escalators by reaching individual and team goals as part of a contract, and, unlike incentives that are paid out at the end of a season, they're attached to future salaries. While such a move wouldn't provide a big pay raise like Johnson wants, it would get him some additional funds now, with the hope of getting a long-term deal after next season." http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100706/SPORTS01/100706075/1027
