Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson is holding out of the team’s mini-camp this week
Let’s start by letting you know I love David Johnson. He’s a great player and by all accounts a great guy. I love that he shares his beautiful family with us on social media.
What I don’t love is the idea of him holding out because of his contract, which does not expire until after the 2018 season. He has said he will hold out until his contract is extended.
I get it. He wants more money. In fact I agree that he deserves more money. However he is currently already playing on a contract. Honor it.
Yes, the way the NFL structures rookie deals now is beneficial to teams. Players are basically slotted in and don’t start making great money until their first non-rookie contract, usually after four years.
I’ve see a lot of argument against his holdout because of the injury to his wrist in last season’s opener at the Detroit Lions, causing him to miss the remainder of the 2017 campaign. I don’t agree with that assessment.
Personally, I feel like he’s proven enough already to be making more money. The hangup here is that he signed a contract, play through the contract. The Cardinals are not going to leave him hanging and they’d be stupid if they did.
Bu the Cardinals aren’t stupid. They have very smart people in their front office. That’s why the holdout is a bit of head scratcher.
Oh and before you decide you want to chime in about the NFL breaking contracts all the time, just stop right there. They are the employer. Whether we agree or not, that is how the system is set up.
Doesn’t mean we have to agree with it and again I don’t but that’s how it is. The NFL is greedy but players should honor their contracts.
Now, the holdout may not even last until training camp in Glendale next month. It might, it might not, but the possibility is there.
The problem becomes if the holdout lasts until the regular season or longer. Players need to get into football shape. They need the repetition in practice.
As far as I’m concerned he’s not vital to preseason games. He can sit all of those out. He needs to be in camp though as a productive member of the roster.
It was clear last week’s “injury” was all smoke screen and now we know why. That’s the other part of this. Just be honest with people and from here I’m talking to both sides.
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All that said, hopefully Johnson gets what he asks for or at least comes close. The Cardinals will have a public relations nightmare if this lasts too far into the summer. Pay the man.