Johnson Ends Holdout. $12 Million Bonus

After a 25 day holdout, Chiefs RB Larry Johnson signed a 5 year extension, worth $19 million  in guaranteed money.  

This was a deal that had to be finished. After rushing for over 1700 yards the past two seasons, the all-pro back was do an appropriate payday.  Reportedly holding out in hopes of "Ladainian Tomlinson" money,  Johnson received a lucrative bonus of $12 million.

Johnson, 27, sat behind Priest Holmes for the first two seasons of his career.  In fear of being overworked and underpaid, Johnson recorded a record 416 carries last year, and 336 in 2005.

Kansas City could only pretend to be a functional team without the services of Johnson. In the past two seasons, Johnson has scored a total of 40 TD's (37 rushing, 3 rec.).  Johnson scored 11 TD's (9 rushing, 2 rec) as a backup during the 2004 season. With an offense that lacks any legitimate play-makers, outside of TE Tony Gonzalez, the Chiefs knew that this signing had to happen.

Michael Bennett is penciled in as the back up, and outside of a Pro-Bowl season in 2002 with the Minnesota Vikings, Bennett hasn't been much of a threat as a runner. Most people in the NFL aren't applauded for stats accumulated five years ago.

Johnson brings the perfect mix of balance, power and patience.  He has the strength to break tackles with ease, and runs with an attitude. Johnson is "paid rent" in the red zone, and opens up the passing game because of the attention required to slow him down.

The fans in Kansas City can now breath a sigh of relief. The Chiefs now can put this issue behind them, and focus on being prepared for the start of the regular season. 

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