Arizona Cardinals: Is missing minicamp that big of a deal?
By Larry Brake
David Johnson’s minicamp absence is causing a commotion but is it really that big of a deal for the Arizona Cardinals?
The Arizona Cardinals are currently conducting their annual mandatory minicamp. David Johnson will not participate in minicamp. Many pundits have sounded off on Johnson’s decision.
Adam Schefter, Bill Polian and Tedy Bruschi discuss Johnson on ESPN.com. Polian made the point that he should honor his contract. However, there is a reported injury during OTAs that is keeping Johnson from attending minicamp or is it a ploy?
First of all, Arizona needs Johnson this fall more than this summer. He participated in OTAs until his injury. Since football careers are so short in comparison to other jobs, future security needs to be addressed.
In the video, Schefter alludes to the fact of Johnson’s future concerns. Especially, after he spent the majority of last season on the injury reserve list. However, this is the final year on his rookie contract.
Spotrac.com reports the details of Johnson’s rookie deal:
"David Johnson signed a 4 year, $2,919,373 contract with the Arizona Cardinals, including a $639,373 signing bonus, $639,373 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $729,843. In 2018, Johnson will earn a base salary of $1,882,500 and a workout bonus of $24,500, while carrying a cap hit of $2,066,844 and a dead cap value of $159,844."
Johnson will become an unrestricted free agent this spring unless he reaches a new deal with Arizona. Most of all, do the Cardinals want to pay big to keep him? His talent appears to be worth taking the risk.
In 2016, Johnson had over 2,000 yards from scrimmage. He rushed for 1,239 yards and had 879 receiving yards. Since 2009, there have been only 10 players to accomplish that feat.
Next: NFL 2018: 20 RBs with best chance at 2,000 yards
Training camp begins in July. That is when season preparation really begins. Is missing a three day minicamp really such a big deal? Johnson can afford the fine imposed by missing the three days. Can the Cardinals afford to let him chase bigger offers in March? Lock him up now with a new deal!