The Arizona Cardinals fourth-year back is now under contract with the team until 2021
Leave it to ESPN’s Adam Schefter to break the news on the eve of the first Sunday of NFL action for 2018. The Arizona Cardinals have given running back David Johnson the contract extension he has been asking for.
Per reports, the Cardinals have signed Johnson to a three-year $39 million contract extension. He gets $30 million guaranteed.
What could have been a distraction the entire preseason and training camp wasn’t. Johnson briefly held out in June during the team’s mandatory mini camp.
However Johnson reported to the team in July, four days before the start of training camp. He said he would let his agents do the work. He just wanted back on the field.
Cardinals’ RB David Johnson now under contract with the team through the conclusion of 2021 season. Arizona has stability, Johnson has security.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 9, 2018
That was the smart move. Johnson never talked contract unless someone asked him a question about it. Even then, he preferred to talk about football.
Certainly some were concerned with the timing right before camp when this all came up. Johnson at first appeared to be like many others, holding out for more money when he was already under contract.
Certainly from my standpoint, it didn’t make sense, especially after missing all of 2017. If he goes back out and does what he did in 2015 and 2016, he will be paid handsomely. The team clearly wants to keep him.
On Saturday, they did the right thing. They got in front of this and got a deal done before the season opening kickoff on Sunday. You couldn’t be happier for both sides.
Now it certainly won’t be a distraction for anyone, including media and fans. Johnson can go out and only focus on earning that paycheck. As long as he stays healthy, that should be no issue at all.
Johnson has said his goal is to get 2,000-yards rushing and 1,000-yards receiving. It’s a lofty goal. They will have to be careful not to overload him. The last thing he or the team needs is another injury.