Michael Johnson: No Ill Will Over Contract Situation
By Mike Dyce
Defensive end Michael Johnson was the lucky recipient of the Cincinnati Bengals franchise tag. The dead line for teams to sign franchised players to a multi-year deal is July 15th, a date that is fast approaching.
That will most likely mean Johnson won’t get the long term deal he was seeking.
“There is no ill will on either side, it’s a business,” Johnson said, on Sirius XM NFL Radio. “I’ve known from day one they have to make these moves much like players have to do the same thing. Whatever happens, happens. I feel confident I can play in this league for a long time. Whether that’s Cincinnati or wherever, it is what it is.”
That’s a positive attitude compared to his NFL colleagues. Johnson will make $11.175 million after signing his franchise tag if a deal isn’t worked out before the dead line. Not a bad single season pay day, but it lacks the long term stability an athlete playing a sport with a high injury risk would want. He will be a free agent again next offseason as well.