The Tennessee Titans wrapped up their sixth voluntary practice Wednesday, but running back Chris Johnson remained home to show his displeasure about his contract.
That tactic might not work. Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt told *The Tennessean* that he has talked to Johnson's agent, Joel Segal, but the sides haven't begun negotiations, and he doubts a new deal will be struck.
"Given the circumstances, I don't think there's the likelihood anything is going to happen," Reinfeldt said. "You're asking me definitely if he's not going to get (a new contract). I'm not making any definitive statements. I just think he's a pro, and we expect him to honor his contract. Chris has always been a pro, and we expect that to continue."
Johnson is entering the third year of a five-year, $12 million contract that he signed as a rookie. He believes he deserves a new deal after rushing for a league-high 2,006 yards last season and being voted the NFL Offensive Player of the Year.
Reinfeldt brought up the "30 percent rule," which is in play because of the collective bargaining issues between NFL owners and players. Under the rule, teams are limited to a 30 percent maximum raise of a player's previous year salary, meaning the Titans could only satisfy Johnson with a large guaranteed signing bonus.
"There's limitations on what we can do," Reinfeldt said. "So it's definitely an issue."
