Voth: CJ open to coming back

[uscgamecocks]

I think everyone criticizing Johnson needs to take a step back here.  We'd all love to have made $60-70mm (pre-tax) over the past nine years, but I can't fault Johnson for wanting to maximize what will be his last contract as a football player - ever.

And keep in mind, he probably saw less than half of his career earnings due to taxes and agent fees.  He's very active with charities, which is not free, and he's enjoyed life the past four to five years.  So while he's probably set for now, he's not sitting on a cash pile of $30mm dollars.  Far less - and with all football players, the future prospects for payment look dim.  A lucky few can get into TV or coaching at a high level, but a position coaching gig at a college isn't a gravy train - and requires a ton of work.

Personally, I'd love to have him back at the right price.  Yes, he's become injury prone, but he's still got gas in the tank.  People like to point out that he only had one sack during the season, but he had three sacks in the playoffs as his health improved.  He is still a viable starter in the league and can play good snaps for the next few years.

[johnnydefence]

2 hours ago, PhillyB said:

however it shakes out its very nice to see a fan-favorite long-time member of the team leaving on amicable terms and both sides wishing each other the best instead of cutting our frickin hearts in half man

Well said Philly. Well said. CJ set the bar high. 

[johnnydefence]

1 hour ago, Ivan The Awesome said:

If this was 2-3 years ago I'd understand. He already made his cash. If he wants a ring.. You have to think of the bigger picture. He's not hurting for money. He only has one more thing to prove, that's getting a ring. What other teams would be contenders AND be able to pay him what he wants?  Probably none..just do the smart thing CJ,  don't get greedy. 

CJ is 29. Jarrod Allen was 4 years older, made 8 million this year and got a shot at a ring. I would think CJ is looking around the league and seeing these guys like JA and saying why not me. 

[ThPantherFan]

Can't blame him for shopping his talent.  I wouldn't pay a tremendous amount for his return.  I think we paid him too much for what he's given the club, but he has no obligation to give up money just to stay with the Panthers.

[KillerKat]

Only if he wants to be a backup. Otherwise, its time to move on.

[MadHatter]

6 hours ago, Snake said:

Selfish player making selfish move. Not really surprised and honestly this team is no worse off without him. 

Too many fans forget this is a business.  If a company came to you and offered you a few million a year more to leave your job, every one of you would probably blow out your ACL rushing for the door.

[Cj72]

I've never had a problem with a player testing the market to get all they can. They only have so many years to make all the money they can. Having said that, I do believe some players have lost significant long term money by chasing a quick payday. What good is a $50 mil contract when you only see $10 mil and are exposed as a product of a system and out of the league.

 

I do have a problem with players that hold out. Unless they are willing to take less when they don't perform to the level of their contract then gtfoh with holding out.

[d-dave]

It's fair for him to see what the market for his services is.  He's not worth the $10 million he thought.  He's been injured a fair bit the past few years, and teams see that. When he's healthy, he's a solid contributor.  When there are guys who can free him up, he's a good pass rusher.  I don't think he's a guy who can single handily create a pass rush anymore.  Even early on that was very difficult for him.

I'd be fine if he came back MUCH cheaper.  He would have to figure out if he wants to chase the money or the ring.  He's not able to chase both right now in his career.

[pantherclaw]

9 hours ago, Jmac said:

Scorned?  I don't give a shat either way if he comes back or not....just relating what was said on BBR. 

Your post communicates otherwise, quite clearly.

[Clicheking]

Cutting a player and saying "there is a chance he may come back" is like saying "the dog died, but we can keep it.".....not gonna happen

[OldNorthPowell]

If he tests the market and finds out he is worth what Gettleman was wanting to keep him at and he wanted back in I would resign him. Let him test the market and get his. Thing is at this point in my career I would be looking to win a ring and money would be secondary. Everyone is different though so I hope he gets what he is looking for just not with a rival team ;+)

[UKPanther94]

In a sport where the next play could be your last it's hard to blame them for chasing dollar, especially where, in CJs case, this is his last chance for a big contract

[Nate Dogg]

He's been terrible. Addison would be more productive with his snaps.

[Bartin]

You act like you know what we offered CJ. None of us have any idea.

What if we offered $3M and he thinks he can get $7-8M? That is an enormous difference. Once he hits the market maybe he gets offered $4M and says "well I would rather take the $3M and stay in Carolina" and ends up coming back for less money.

Or maybe he gets offered $5M, takes that deal back to Gettleman and says "get close" so Gettleman offers him $4M and he takes it. Well now he is back in Carolina where he wanted to be but got an extra $1M out of it. There is absolutely nothing wrong with what he's doing.

If someone gives him way more than we are offering and he takes that deal then so be it. Who are we to criticize a guy for wanting money and the long term security for his family that comes with it?