The seven-year veteran wants more money in his contract.
Agents, players and teams will be running everywhere Wednesday, as the free agency market starts. Arizona Cardinals safety Rashad Johnson is one of nine former Alabama players that is an unrestricted free agent.
His last two season were very productive, totaling 154 tackles, a sack, two fumble recoveries and nine interceptions.
Head coach Bruce Arians said per Jess Roots of SB Nation (Revenge of the Birds) that the Cardinals “want to add length and speed to its secondary.” Johnson and teammate Jerraud Powers are both free agents, yet the team remains in conversation with Johnson.
Johnson, 30, was taken by Arizona in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft.
Prior to that time, he played at Alabama from 2004-08. He enrolled as a walk-on running back, but finished his career as a two-time first team All-SEC defensive back in 2007 and 2008.
Johnson has made three playoff appearances and captured two NFC West division crowns in seven seasons. He finished 2015 with 61 total tackles and five interceptions.
Finance has been an issue, despite his production.
Johnson made just $3.6 million the last time he resigned with Arizona for a three-year deal. His efforts in the last two seasons should spark interest to raise his contract and with having Tyrann Mathieu, Patrick Peterson and Justin Bethel all returning, the Cardinals could have a lethal defensive backfield if it resigns Johnson.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.
