Here it is August 26th and the game's arguably most prolific runningback is still holding out. The Titans have reportedly offered to make him the highest paid halfback in the league but CJ wants top 5 playmaker money. In this regard it's hard to blame him as he is the NFL's best homerun hitter and one of the few backs to ever rush for 2,000 yards.
However I don't believe Tennessee is the team to pay him for a number of reasons. Whether the Titans want to admit it or not they are in the beginnings of a slight rebuild, Hasselbeck is an adaquate quarterback but he is there just to show the ropes to quarterback of the future Jake Locker. Locker, like most young QB's will struggle when finally thrust into the starting line up and Tennessee will most likely be a few years away from competing and CJ's shelf life may be hitting it's expiration date by then. While the argument can be made having Chris Johnson would make the transition easier for Locker, it's not worth investing that much money into the runningback position unless you're a strong competitor.
Insert the New England Patriots, a team in the exact opposite situation. The Pats feature a top 3 QB and one of the NFL's most potent passing offenses. They've had a busy offseason and appear to be going all in with the additions of Chad Ochocinco and Albert Haynesworth. Honestly this is a team that needs to go all in Brady is 34 years old and probably has 3-4 years of elite play left in him. It makes sense to be aggressive and try to capture as many Lombardi trophies as they can in that span. They are already a young team and have a stock pile of draft choices not to mention cap room so making a big Herschel Walker type deal wouldn't have the same "mortaging their future" effect as it would have on some teams. Not to mention a running threat like CJ added to that Pat's offense would bring them back to their more balanced attack they used to capture Super Bowls XXXVI XXXVIII and XXXIX. Defenses would have their handsful trying to figure out what facet of the offense to focus their attention on not to mention the dividends the added strength of the rushing attack would have in the playoffs.
So what's the solution? A trade of New Orleans' 1st rounder and New Englands' 1st rounder with a throw in of Green-Ellis or Vereen would be perfect for both sides. It gives New England the chance for one more dynastic run before the end of the Brady era and it allows the Titans to jump start their rebuilding process holding 3 1st round draft choices in the 2012 draft and putting them in position to be rising up right as Peyton Manning and the Colts' dominance are coming to a close in the AFC South. It makes too much sense..
but it'll never happen.
- Michael Gibson
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