Report: David Johnson, Cardinals not expected to agree to extension before season

Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and he is expected to be by far the team’s most important offensive player this season. While he could potentially have a new deal in place before Sunday, it is reportedly not likely.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Johnson and the Cardinals have had discussions about a long-term contract, but they are not expected to come to an agreement prior to their season starting.

The #AZCardinals and star RB David Johnson have had contract talks, but the two sides are not expected to come to an agreement before the opener vs. the #Redskins, I’m told. But the door is always open during the season to do a deal for the franchise back.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 7, 2018

Johnson, who missed almost the entire 2017 season with a wrist injury, recently said he is motivated by his contract situation and “so much more.” He’s a rare Le’Veon Bell-like talent in that he contributes just as much to the passing game as the running game, which was evident when he racked up more than 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scored 20 total touchdowns in 2016.

The market has likely already been set for Johnson’s next deal with the contract one star running back signed this offseason, though Arizona is hoping to avoid an ugly situation like the one Bell and the Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves in.