Fitzgerald deal could spell doom for Titans

The 25 day standoff between all pro running back Chris Johnson and the Tennessee Titans took another strange twist yesterday, and it had nothing to do with Johnson visiting Nashville over the weekend. All pro wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald just inked an eight year deal worth up to 120 million dollars, 50 million guaranteed. The deal will average just over 15 million a year, which makes Fitzgerald's per year salary fifth highest in the league. What does that spell for Titans fans? Trouble.

Johnson recently scoffed at the notion of becoming the highest paid running back in the league. Johnson insists that he is a play maker (which he is) and deserves to be paid like one of the elite players in the league. Last week we laughed when Johnson demanded 13 (guaranteed) million dollars over the first three years. But 13 mill from the Titans? Should someone remind Johnson this is the same team that literally locked Steve McNair out of the training room as they plotted to trade him to Baltimore. He was owed a salary similar to Johnson's request. Franchise leading rusher Eddie George was sent packing for pennies by comparison. And who could forget Randall Godfrey, the linebacker who gave the Titans back a million dollars in a restructured deal. This was mutually agreed upon to re-sign key players for the up coming season. Godfrey was to receive the money on the back end of the deal. Two weeks later they cut him and kept the money. History tells us the Titans can and will play hard ball. It's a foregone conclusion that Johnson will use Fitzgerald's contract as a bargaining tool. We as Titans fans desperately want Johnson on the field week one, but neither side is willing to budge. Thanks Larry Fitzgerald, Thanks for nothing.