So much for subtlety. Titans running back Chris Johnson has let his team know where he stand on on future contract negotiations:

"I think I deserve to be the highest paid running back in the league, or even the highest paid offensive player besides the quarterback."

Of course, Johnson is still early in to his long rookie contract. He doesn't have the chance for any new ink until 2012. Quite a long time in the NFL. However, that doesn't mean his agent Joel Segal and the Titans aren't discussing it at this point. In fact, the Tennessean notes that Segal is not unfamiliar with getting extension agreements well before any expiration dates.

There is no question Johnson's output as of last season is among the best in the league for his position. Breaking 2,000 yards rushing with an additional 500 yards receiving is monstrous - especially considering he made a lowly $385,000 under his rookie deal. (Lowly for NFL superstar standards.) He is poised to see a slight spike this season at around $560,000. Currently, the highest paid RB in the league is Steven Jackson of the Rams, who signed a $48.5 million five-year deal in 2008.

Does Johnson deserve to be paid as an elite athlete? What about in two years?

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