Coach Mike Munchak said Thursday that the Tennessee Titans haven't talked about trading Chris Johnson, and if the star running back asked for such a move, the request would be denied.
"We would figure he's under contract for two years, he's going to be a Titan and we would hope a longer term than that," Munchak said. "But I don't think that's anything we would even give any consideration to. He's with us one way or another, and hopefully it ends up being on the field."
Johnson and his agent, Joel Segal, met with Titans general manager Mike Reinfeldt in Nashville on Wednesday. The running back then returned to Orlando, Fla., and told The Tennessean on Thursday that he and the Titans don't see "eye to eye."
Reinfeldt called the meeting "beneficial" but acknowledged he wasn't "sure there was any progress made."
For Johnson, it's a return to the waiting game as he physically prepares for a season in which he might not play.
"Basically my plan is to continue to handle my part and let Joel handle his part," said Johnson, who's scheduled to be paid $800,000 this season. "All I can do is continue to work out and stay in shape. From them seeing me yesterday, (Reinfeldt) knows I am in great shape, and he said, 'You're looking good,' and things like that. All I can do right now is keep working out and keep waiting."
NFL Network insider Jason La Canfora reported that the sides have no plans at this time to meet again, but Reinfeldt said Wednesday he expects to talk with the running back's agent in the "next day or so."
The Titans and Johnson have been far apart on a contract extension, even though team officials have said they are ready to make the three-time Pro Bowl pick the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Johnson wants to be paid like one of the game's top playmakers, not just in the category of running back. A breakdown of the league's highest-paid players shows a gulf of roughly $3 million annually between the sides.
Johnson leads the NFL in rushing yards over the past three seasons and has said he wants at least $30 million in guaranteed money. Each time a free agent has signed a high-priced contract since the end of the NFL lockout only seems to raise his demands.
Johnson has said he will not report until he receives a new deal, even with two years left on his contract and having missed all of the Titans' camp, which wrapped Monday.
Time is running out, with the Titans opening the season Sept. 11 at Jacksonville. Javon Ringer, the only running back on the roster who has carried the ball during the regular season, will miss a second consecutive preseason game Saturday night against the Chicago Bears (1-1) because of a sore hip.
Munchak hopes Ringer will be able to play in the preseason finale Sept. 1 against the New Orleans Saints, but rookie Jamie Harper, a fourth-round draft pick out of Clemson, is set to make his second consecutive start.
The longer talks go between Johnson and the Titans only moves the team closer to possibly adding a veteran running back. Munchak said he's sure Reinfeldt and Ruston Webster, vice president of player personnel, are studying options, which will grow with roster cuts over the next week.
Munchak isn't sure when such a move would have to be made.
"It's something where you're always being aware of what's out there in case this would grow into an uglier situation than we'd hoped," Munchak said.
Notes:Kenny Britt (quad/hamstring) will not play Saturday night, and Munchak said he expects the receiver to play longer against New Orleans. ... OL Troy Kropog (knee) also won't play, along with DE Jason Jones (left knee) and DE Derrick Morgan (left knee). ... Rookie OL Byron Stingily (back) and OL Kevin Matthews (right ankle) might play.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
